Breaking News: Ontarians now living under State of Emergency

This morning Premier Doug Ford declared a State of Emergency in Ontario. During his live announcement on YouTube he told participants of the Truckers for Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, at border crossings, that it is time to leave and take your children home. Ford said, “Your right to make a political statement does not outweigh the right of hundreds of thousands of workers to earn their living. It does not outweigh our right to get food across our borders. Your right to make a political statement does not outweigh the rights of the million people in Ottawa to live peacefully, free of harassment and chaos in their own homes.”

The Premier explained his decision by saying, “Today, I’m using my authority as Premier of Ontario to declare a State of Emergency in our province and I will convene cabinet to use legal authorities to urgently enact orders that will make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure. This will include protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways. It will also include protecting the safe and essential movement of ambulatory and medical services, public transit, municipal and provincial roadways, as well as pedestrian walkways. Fines for non-compliance will be severe with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment. We will also provide additional authority to consider taking away the personal and commercial licences of anyone who does not comply with these orders. This will not impede the rights of Ontarians to peacefully protest.”

More to follow.