Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones said emergency measures were an important way to protect infrastructure during the Freedom Convoy. He was in charge of the province’s solicitor when the Freedom Convoy protests took place in 2022.
On January 24, Jones said the blockade could not afford to damage our critical infrastructure and border communities. We had faith then and I think the most important thing is that we were not in a position to hold our community hostage and give them access to critical infrastructure.
The federal government has indicated it will appeal the ruling.
In January 2022, a convoy of protesters descended on the capital, blocking several roads around Parliament Hill and forcing businesses to close. They stayed in the area for more than three weeks, causing concern among nearby residents. They have to live in loud noise and for some the environment becomes unsafe for them.
On April 14, 2022, the government withdrew the emergency law citing national security reasons. The law gives them temporary powers to suppress protests. Apart from receiving funds, the government also gets the power to levy fines against those who refuse to leave the area. On the same day, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency to end the blockades of Ottawa and Windsor.
Protesters blocked access to Ambassador Bridge in Windsor. Ambassador Bridge serves as Canada’s trade link with the United States.
