The Premier of Ontario, the epicenter of the anti-sanitary measures protest in Canada, declared a state of emergency in the province on Friday February 11 because of the “illegal” demonstrations that have been taking place for two weeks.
"We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the border is reopened. And to the beleaguered residents of Ottawa, I say, we're going to make sure you can get back to normal life as soon as possible," Doug Ford said during an interview. of a press conference.
The center of the Canadian federal capital, located in Ontario, has been paralyzed for two weeks by demonstrators who demand the withdrawal of all anti-Covid health measures and refuse to leave the premises.
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They are also blocking the Ambassador Bridge, an essential commercial axis that connects Ontario and the American city of Detroit.
More than 25% of goods exported between the United States and Canada pass through it.
“We will do whatever it takes to end these occupations,” Prime Minister Doug Ford added before addressing protesters directly “Go home now.”
“We will urgently issue ordinances that will make it clear that it is illegal to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure,” he said.
Ontario's Conservative premier has been under fire for several days for his inaction in the face of protesters, which many attribute to political calculations.
He is a candidate for re-election in June.
With AFP and Reuters
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