By Matt Weingarden & Mohsin Abbas – The Tilbury Times Staff
Windsor Police say they continue their enforcement actions at the scene of an ongoing Ambassador Bridge blockage on Sunday morning, “with arrests being made.”
Windsor police moved in to remove protesters Saturday at the Ambassador Bridge border crossing that has disrupted Canada US trade.
This man who was blocking the lane with his pick up arrested by police pic.twitter.com/rPT1k1g9u4
— Ellen Mauro (@EMauroCBC) February 13, 2022
Business owners in the area of the demonstration are asking people to remove their vehicles from private property. They are also asking for police assistance to notify demonstrators to leave their property as they are trespassing.
— Windsor Police (@WindsorPolice) February 13, 2022
On Friday Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency that will allow his cabinet to impose $100,000 fines and up to one year in jail as punishments against people who continue to illegally block roads, bridges, walkways and other critical infrastructure.
The announcement was made after ongoing protests in Ottawa and the Ambassador Bridge.
The Premier says he plans to use legal authorities to urgently enact orders, making it “crystal clear” that it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure.
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.
The measure includes protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways.
According to Ford the fines for non-compliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment.
“Let me be as clear as I can. There will be consequences for these actions…and they will be severe,” said Ford. “We’ve already started by going after the money funding the illegal occupation”
The province also plans to provide additional authority to consider taking away the personal and commercial licenses of anyone who doesn’t comply with these orders.
“To the autoworkers, truckers and all those affected by the Ambassador Bridge closure, we will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the border is reopened,” said Ford. “So, to the protestors I say… we have heard you. It is time to go.”
Trucks pulling out if remaining Windsor encampment down the road from the Ambassador Brudhe. After several warnings, police told protesters they’ll be arrested immediately if they don’t leave. pic.twitter.com/4q3Hd0DZts
— Thomas Daigle (@thomasdaigle) February 13, 2022
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