Police had early success in clearing Ambassador Bridge, but demonstrators still choke vital trade route
A former cabinet minister in Justin Trudeau’s government took the unusual step of calling out her former federal colleagues as well as the province and city for not putting an end to the protests.“Amazingly, this isn’t isn’t just Ottawa. It’s the nation’s capital,” Catherine McKenna tweeted. “But no one – not the city, the province or the federal government can seem to get their act together to end this illegal occupation. It’s appalling … Just get your act together. Now.
Police issued a statement on Saturday calling the protest an unlawful occupation and saying they were waiting for police “reinforcements” before implementing a plan to end the demonstrations. Windsor police tweeted that no one had been arrested but urged people to stay away from the bridge: “We appreciate the cooperation of the demonstrators at this time and we will continue to focus on resolving the demonstration peacefully. Avoid area!”
The previous day, a judge ordered an end to the blockade of mostly pickup trucks and cars, and Ontario premier Doug Fordallowing for fines of $100,000 and up to one year in jail for anyone illegally blocking roads, bridges, walkways and other critical infrastructure. In Ottawa, 31-year-old Stephanie Ravensbergen said she turned out to support her aunt and uncle, who have parked their truck in the streets since the beginning of the protest. She opposes vaccine and mask requirements, and said it’s important for schoolchildren to be able see their friends’ faces and emotions.
On the other side of the country, protesters disrupted operations at another border crossing between Surrey, British Columbia, and Blaine, Washington, but officials said it was not blocked. Two other border crossings, in Alberta and in Manitoba, remained shut down as well.