Premier Doug Ford vows to take action against the lorry blockades affecting Ottawa and US-Canada trade routes

Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, has declared a state of emergency in response to the ongoing lorry blockades that have crippled Ottawa and disrupted trade between Canada and the United States. The blockades, driven by protests against Canada’s Covid-19 restrictions, have caused widespread disruptions, including at the critical Ambassador Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, and in downtown Ottawa, where protesters have occupied the city centre for two weeks.

Ford has announced plans to take immediate action, stating that new laws will be introduced to make it clear that blocking essential infrastructure is illegal. He stressed that those involved in such actions would face severe consequences, including up to a year in prison and fines of up to $100,000 CAD (£58,000). Authorities may also revoke the personal and commercial licenses of those refusing to comply with the new orders.

The Ambassador Bridge blockade has already led to significant disruption in the automotive industry, with companies like Ford, GM, Toyota, and Honda shutting down or scaling back production due to supply shortages. The protests, which have now spread to three border crossings and are backed by many right-wing figures, are growing in intensity. Some protesters have even stated that they are “willing to die” for the cause, making it clear that the situation could escalate further.

While the protests have garnered support from certain political figures, including former President Donald Trump, they have also sparked concerns about the ability of local authorities to manage the situation. Windsor’s mayor has called for a court injunction to break the blockade at the bridge, while Ottawa’s mayor has requested reinforcements, including 1,800 additional police officers, to cope with the growing unrest.

The protests have prompted pressure from both the US and Canada, with the Biden administration urging Canadian authorities to act swiftly to end the blockades. At the same time, federal, provincial, and local governments have struggled with coordination, as different levels of leadership have different views on how to resolve the crisis.

The protests are not just confined to Canada. Similar demonstrations have been reported in Europe, with convoys in France attempting to block the capital, Paris, despite a police ban. The US Department of Homeland Security has also issued a warning about potential protests spreading to the United States, with lorry drivers planning protests in states like California and Washington.

As tensions continue to rise, many are questioning whether the Canadian government should have acted sooner to address the blockades, with some experts suggesting that military intervention may become necessary if the situation deteriorates further. Despite the ongoing disruptions, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has refused to lift vaccine mandates, calling the protesters a “fringe” group and accusing them of spreading conspiracy theories.