Charges from Ambassador Bridge protest in Windsor, Ont., now up to 90
CBC
Dozens of charges have now been laid in relation to pandemic mandate protests in Windsor, Ont., that blocked Ambassador Bridge traffic, police said in releasing the latest figures a day after the Emergencies Act came into effect.
At least 46 people face a total of 90 charges in the bridge blockade, which started Feb. 7 and ended Sunday, police said Tuesday.
However, it's unclear if any of the charges stem from the federal act coming into force. CBC reached out to Windsor police for more details, but they said they weren't immediately available.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet brought the Emergencies Act into effect Monday, giving more power to the federal government during a crisis. Trudeau said under the act, police are given more tools and the federal government is able to impose fines of up to $5,000 for breaking the law, pursue imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both.
RCMP are also permitted to enforce municipal bylaws and provincial offences, which is unusual as the RCMP does not normally carry out policing functions in Ontario.
Cabinet is also directing banks and financial institutions to halt the flow of funds to protest organizers.
"We have been there to support local police of jurisdiction and we are now putting forward fresh tools to do that," said Trudeau.
What's unclear is if the legislation may affect any of the dozens of protesters who've already charged in the Ambassador Bridge blockade. Police enforced an injunction from an Ontario court on the weekend, leading to the reopening of the bridge on Monday.
Of the 90 charges, some individuals may face more than one count.
Here's a breakdown of what we know so far:
The charges could be a concern for people trying to cross the border, according to Windsor immigration lawyer Eddie Kadri.
"If criminal charges are going to be pursued and convictions are secured — if those convictions equate to crimes of moral turpitude — then they're going to have barriers of entrance into the United States," said Kadri.
"Even with a criminal charge but not a conviction, if they do attempt to cross into the United States, and the U.S. becomes aware of that charge, that charge stays on your record, it doesn't get removed or expunged from the U.S. system."
People must disclose information, including any charges against them, if asked by a border officer, said Kadri. While many charges may not fit the U.S.'s definition of "moral turpitude," Kadri said a wide range of crimes could be included.
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