UPDATED: After speaking with President Biden, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has said that ‘everything is on the table’ to end the Freedom Convoy demonstrations blockading key border crossings to the US.
‘President Biden and I both agreed that for the security of people and the economy, these blockades cannot continue,’ Trudeau said at a press briefing. ‘Make no mistake, the border cannot and will not remain closed.’ ‘Everything is on the table because this unlawful activity has to end, and it will end,’ Trudeau said
A state of emergency has been declared in Ontario after the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’ has blockaded traffic at key border crossings, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford saying, ”It´s an illegal occupation. It´s no longer a protest.’
With the 42-hour state of emergency, the Province can now fine truckers, seize their vehicles, revoke their commercial licenses and even jail the disruptors if they don’t obey orders to disperse.
‘This is a pivotal moment for our nation. The eyes of the world upon us right now, and what they are seeing is not who we are, this is not what Canada is about,’ said Ford at a briefing. ‘As a province, as a nation, we must collectively draw a line.’
Truckers have ‘taken a city of one million people hostage for the past two weeks’ and have been ‘targeting our lifeline for food, fuel and goods across our borders’ while ‘trying to force a political agenda through disruption, intimidation, and chaos,’ he added.
‘We’re in a critical situation worldwide economically… the last thing we need is an anchor around our neck.’
The truckers are protesting Canada’s vaccine mandate, under which truckers driving international routes must be fully vaccinated, and now ALL Covid measures.