“Today, I will use my powers as Prime Minister of Ontario to announce the introduction of a state of emergency in our province,” RIA Novosti quotes Ford’s statement.
He also announced his intention to convene a cabinet to introduce urgent measures that will make it clear that obstructing travel is illegal and punishable.
According to the Prime Minister of the Canadian province, the punishment for blocking roads includes a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to a year.
Ford previously called protests against coronavirus restrictions in Ottawa an "occupation."
The mayor of the Canadian capital, Jim Watson, on the radio station 580 CFRA, said that the situation in downtown Ottawa amid ongoing protests against covid restrictions was out of control.