Ontario considers emergency measures, stiffer fines against protesters, sources say
CTV
As another blockade of the Canada-U.S. border sprung up, further choking trade and traffic between the two nations, sources tell CTV News that the Ontario government will invoke new emergency measures on Friday and possibly issue a state of emergency aimed at protesters.
Sources tell CTV News that Ontario will use the measures to levy stiffer fines and penalties, with Premier Doug Ford set to meet with his cabinet on Friday.
The news comes amid a string of blockades and protests across Canada that have followed the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, which began two weeks ago as a demonstration against vaccine mandates and pandemic restrictions.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is warning members of the public to avoid the area near the border community of Emerson, Man., where trucks and farm equipment have blocked the international port of entry with the United States.
Amid heightened tensions in multiple Ontario cities, including Ottawa, Windsor and Sarnia, the office of Premier Doug Ford issued a statement on Thursday saying the province had successfully applied for a court order to freeze the distribution of millions of dollars in donations raised for the Freedom Convoy.
