Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that due to the situation caused by protests against coronavirus restrictions, the government will activate the state of emergency law. It has never been used before. Protests initiated by truckers have been ongoing in the country since mid-January.
“Blockades damage our economy and threaten public safety. We cannot and will not allow illegal and dangerous activities to continue,” Trudeau said during a press conference (quoted by Reuters). He noted that the protests showed the presence of serious problems in the work of law enforcement agencies. Prior to this, the state of emergency was introduced only in Ottawa.
The reason for the dissatisfaction of truckers was the decision of the authorities of Canada and the United States, which entered into force on January 15. According to it, Canadian truckers after each border crossing between the two countries are required to either present a certificate of full vaccination and be in quarantine for two weeks.
Early last week, protesters blocked the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Canada and the US, causing economic problems. On February 13, protesters from the bridge began to be dispersed by force.
Read more about the situation in the material “Kommersant” “Rebellion of car drivers.”