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WATCH: Ford declares state of emergency in response to truck demonstrations

The announcement comes after two weeks of anti-vaccination mandate demonstrations and blockades across the province

Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in Ontario during a news conference from Queen's Park.

He said he will convene cabinet in order to enact orders that would make it "illegal and punishable to block and impede the transportation of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure."

These measures would include protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways.

Fines for non-compliance will be severe, the premier said, with a maximum penalty set at $100,000 and up to one year imprisonment.

Commercial and personal licences of those who do not comply could be at risk as a result of these temporary emergency orders, Ford said.

"This will not impede the rights of Ontarians to peacefully protest. It will provide additional tools to help stop the illegal occupation of Ottawa and the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor."

While these measures are temporary, Ford said, the province intends to introduce new legislation that would make them permanent.

"As a province, as a nation we must collectively draw a line. We must stand for the values that define us. We must come together right now, we must heal the divide  that is fracturing our society. We must come together now – not as opponents, but as Canadians. And we must see that the sacrifices we were forced to make, were made for a reason."