Ontario Declares State of Emergency Over Blocked U.S. Bridge

Government takes new powers: ‘A pivotal moment for our nation’
Premier threatens protesters with jail, fines if they stay

Protesters block access to the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario on Feb. 9, 2022.Photographer: Galit Rodan/Bloomberg

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By Brian Platt and Stephen Wicary

February 11, 2022 at 10:56 AM EST

Updated on

February 11, 2022 at 12:19 PM EST

This article is for subscribers only.

The premier of Canada’s biggest province declared a state of emergency, warning protesters choking off traffic at a key U.S. border crossing and causing gridlock in Canada’s capital they face stiff punishment if they don’t leave.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in a news conference Friday alongside his solicitor general, said the government is enacting new powers to end the blockades. Penalties include fines of up to C$100,000 ($78,800) and jail time.