The Ontario government will consider a bill designed to prevent a repeat of the disruption that crippled the Ambassador Bridge last month.
The Keeping Ontario Open for Business Act of 2022 would empower law enforcement to protect jobs that rely on the free flow of trade across the international border. The bill was introduced in response to the blockade in Windsor that brought U.S.-bound traffic to a standstill.
"We will do everything in our power to protect our workers, job creators and international trade relationships from any future attempts to block our borders," Premier Doug Ford said. "The world can be confident that Ontario is open for business."
If the bill is passed, law enforcement agencies would be given additional powers to suspend the driver licences and vehicle permits of those who disrupt traffic at border crossings and airports, as well as seize licence plates and remove objects used to create a stoppage of traffic flow.
The package includes $96-million in funding for enhanced training at the Ontario Police College, streamlining emergency management with Ontario Provincial Police, and buying equipment like tow trucks for clearing blockades.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said Monday that unfettered transport of goods is vital to the economic health of the province.
"We are taking the steps necessary to protect international border crossings, which are critical to the public," said Jones. "These measures are narrow in scope and will not impact the right to peaceful, lawful and temporary protests."
The province had declared a state of emergency on February 11 to deal with protests that had impeded traffic flow in Windsor, Ottawa, Sarnia, and other cities. The Windsor blockade was cleared over the following two days, resulting in 46 people arrested, 37 vehicles seized, and a total of 90 charges filed.