The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) strongly supports the Government of Ontario’s leadership in declaring a state of emergency to end the illegal seizure by protestors of critical trade infrastructure like international border crossings in the province.
Law enforcement will soon have new powers to fine the occupiers of critical infrastructure up to $100,000. Violators can face one year’s jail time and have their commercial and personal licenses/plates suspended or revoked.
OTA does not expect many Class A commercial licenses/plates will be seized at the Ambassador Bridge as there reportedly are very few heavy commercial trucks participating in the illegal blockade.
“The trucking industry applauds Premier Ford’s action to implement measures that make it very clear what the consequences are for blocking and impeding the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure in the province of Ontario,” said OTA President Stephen Laskowski. “OTA will also be working with the Government of Ontario to permanently enshrine such measures in legislation so these illegal acts can be dealt with in the future without having to declare emergency measures.”
Critical infrastructure addressed in the emergency measures, along with future legislation, is expected to include international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways. It will also include protecting the safe and essential movement of ambulatory and medical services, public transit, municipal and provincial roadways, as well as pedestrian walkways.