A State of Emergency has been declared in Ontario by Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford.

Ford has called the protest in Ottawa “an illegal occupation”.

The Cabinet will convene on Feb 12 to “urgently enact orders that will make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure”

Ford states that the declaration will include:

protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways. 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,

Non-compliant individuals will be facing a maximum penalty of up to $100,000 and a year in jail. He went on to further say:

“Fines for non-compliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment. We will also provide additional authority to consider taking away the personal and commercial licenses of anyone who doesn’t comply with these orders.”

Both OPP and RCMP have provided more officers on the streets and other aides.