Canadian protesters remain undeterred by the police even after the deadline. Hundreds of protesters stayed at North America’s biggest border crossing hours after a Canadian judge set a deadline. Their days-long Covid-19 protest has disrupted supply networks and concerned the continent’s authorities.
The Canadian city of Windsor, Ontario, and a manufacturing group was granted an injunction earlier. On Friday it allowed police to begin removing the protracted barricade of the Ambassador Bridge. It connects the city to Detroit, Michigan.
But hours after the judge’s 7 p.m. deadline for the crowds to clear the area, little had changed.
Hundreds of people, including many youngsters, remained on the scene long after 9 p.m. While numerous police cars were stationed nearby, others waved Canadian flags. Some played music, danced, and joined continuous shouts. There was no way of knowing how long individuals planned to remain.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave his statement on Friday. “If you joined the protests because you’re tired of Covid, you now need to understand that you are breaking laws.” He added, “you don’t want to end up losing your license, end up with a criminal record, which will impact your job, your livelihood.”
Anyone who continues to obstruct the roadways, according to Windsor police, is committing a criminal infraction. They could be detained and punished. Charges or convictions connected to the demonstration might “lead to rejection in accessing the US border,” according to police.
Prior to declaring a state of emergency, Ontario’s premier promised “severe” consequences for those who participate in blockades. He also said that urgent orders would be issued to “make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people, and services along with critical infrastructure.”