Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is declaring a state of emergency in response to ongoing blockades in Ottawa and Windsor as protesters reportedly began to allow traffic to cross on the bridge from Canada into the U.S.
Ford said he will use legal measures to enact orders making it "crystal clear" that it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure. Ford said that includes protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways.
Fines for non-compliance will be up to $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment, Ford said.
Later Friday an Ontario court granted an injunction filed by the city of Windsor and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association to end the blockade at the Ambassador Bridge. The injunction takes effect at 7 p.m. EST.