Canadian official threatens "severe" consequences for truckers protesting COVID mandates along border

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the government will take urgent action against the truckers protesting COVID-19 protocols along the U.S.-Canadian border. The weeks-long demonstrations have blocked a busy bridge between the two countries, sparking concern from international leaders about economic impacts and the potential of similar protests emerging elsewhere.

"Let me be as clear as I can: There will be consequences for these actions," Ford said Friday at a press briefing. "And they will be severe."

Ford declared a state of emergency in Ontario due to the occupation, which he called a "siege of the city." He said protestors could be subject to noncompliance fines of up to $100,000, a year in prison and loss of personal and commercial drivers licenses.