Judge tells protesters blocking border bridge they must clear out
WINDSOR, Ontario — A judge on Friday ordered protesters at the Ambassador Bridge over the U.S.-Canadian border to end the 5day-old blockade that has disrupted the flow of goods between the two countries and forced the auto industry on both sides to roll back production.
It was not immediately clear when or if law enforcement officers would be sent in to remove the demonstrators, who parked their pickups and other vehicles in a protest against the country’s COVID-19 restrictions and an outpouring of fury toward Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government.
Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz of the Ontario Superior Court said during a virtual hearing that the order would be effective at 7 p.m. to give protesters time to leave.
Windsor police immediately warned that demonstrators blocking the streets could be subject to arrest and their vehicles may be seized.
At the bridge, a person, who would not provide his name, grabbed a microphone and addressed the crowd. He asked the protesters if they wanted to stay when 7 p.m. rolled around or leave. By a show of applause, it was agreed they would stay. “OK,’” the man said. “Let’s stand tall.”
The crowd responded by singing the Canadian national anthem and chanting “freedom.”
The crowd later grew in size and intensity, with frequent chants of “Freedom!” More patrol cars moved in around the site, and police handed out leaflets warning that a state of emergency would come into effect at midnight.
Since Monday, drivers mostly in pickups have bottled up the bridge connecting Windsor to Detroit. Hundreds more truckers have paralyzed downtown Ottawa over the past two weeks. And protesters have also blocked other border crossings in Alberta and Manitoba.
The ruling came in a day of fastmoving developments as federal, provincial and local officials moved simultaneously on different fronts to try to break the socalled Freedom Convoy standoff.
“We heard you. It’s time to go home now,” the prime minister said, adding that “everything is on the table” to end the blockades.
Also Friday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency and threatened penalties against those who interfere with the flow of goods and people.
Ford said he will convene the provincial cabinet on Saturday to urgently enact measures that make it “crystal clear” it is illegal to block critical infrastructure. Violators will face up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000, he said. The measures will also provide additional authority “to consider taking away the personal and commercial licenses of anyone who doesn’t comply,” according to the premier’s office.
Trudeau said he understands the protesters are frustrated by the pandemic, but “these blockades are hurting everyday families, auto assembly workers, farmers, truckers, blue-collar Canadians.”
The protests caused auto parts shortages that have forced General Motors, Ford, Toyota and Honda to close plants or cancel shifts.
Before the judge’s ruling came down, dozens of protesters in Windsor blocked the entrance to the bridge in what felt like a block party. Demonstrators milled about, carrying signs and Canadian flags while music played and food was handed out. A trampoline was set up for the children.
Troy Holman, a 32-year-old Windsor resident who has protested every day this week, said he believes the government overreached with its COVID-19 restrictions, hurting his wife’s small business.
“Unfortunately, we have to be here, because this is what’s going to get the attention of the government,” he said.