Sarnia, Ont. mayor supports provincial legislation to prevent illegal blockades at border crossings

Local politicians are reacting to the province's new legislation to prevent border blockades.

Local politicians are reacting to the province's new legislation to prevent border blockades.

The Ford government has increased the ability of police to suspend vehicle permits and seize license plates. But that’s only the start.

Last month trade was recently blocked at Windsor’s Ambassador Bridge, and in Sarnia and Point Edward, by so-called 'freedom protesters'. Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley calls it 'economic terrorism.'

Bradley, for the most part is supportive of giving more options to police.

Under the terms of the legislation, officers would be able to suspend drivers’ licenses and seize vehicle permits and plates when a vehicle is used in an illegal blockade.

Bradley says that hits protesters where it hurts. He says it may also limit the need for large police actions, in his city or elsewhere, to combat blockades.

“What happens in Windsor, hurts here, and even the blockade on the 402 had a negative economic impact. Again, it was the right thing to do, what the government is proposing,” he says.