Canadian protesters were warned by the police that there will be severe consequences if they do not clear out the blockade. The Windsor police have begun arresting protesters who refuse to move their vehicles. They began clearing out the Ambassador bridge which is the busiest land border crossing in North America.
The traffic has been ongoing for two weeks and has crippled a key trade route for both countries.
“Let me be crystal clear: it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people, and services along with critical infrastructure,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford tweeted Sunday.
“Fines for non-compliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment.”
The protests began when the Canadian Government issues a mandatory 14-day quarantine or vaccination for those returning from the border. “Freedom Convoy” has since drawn supporters resisting other Covid-19 prevention measures, including mask mandates, lockdowns, and restrictions on gatherings.
30 protesters have been arrested near the Ambassador Bridge, most of whom were charged with “criminal mischief,” Windsor Police Chief Pamela Mizuno told reporters Sunday afternoon. Windsor police also seized five vehicles from protesters Sunday, Mizuno said, and seven vehicles were towed Saturday.
“From the onset of the demonstration, our goal was to resolve this situation safely and peacefully,” Mizuno said, adding “while police officers are authorized by law to use force, at this time I’m not aware of any injuries as a result of any police interaction that has occurred since the onset of the protest.”