Ontario declares a state of emergency to end 'siege' in Ottawa and Windsor

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency as the truck convoy protests continue to disrupt traffic and prevent the transport of goods across the Canadian border.

Ford made the announcement Friday at Queen’s Park, saying he will convene cabinet and “use legal authorities to urgently enact orders” that will protect international border crossings, as well as the 400-series highways, airports, bridges, ports and railways in the province.

Fines for non-compliances will be severe, the premier said, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment.

The premier said the orders will “make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure.”

The province will also be providing “additional authority” to take away the personal and commercial licenses of those who do not comply.