Freedom Convoy: Judge orders end to blockade at bridge on Canada-U.S. border
A Canadian judge on Friday ordered an end to a 5-day blockade of Ontario's Ambassador Bridge, where drivers have "parked their pickups and other vehicles in a bumper-to-bumper protest against the country's COVID-19 restrictions," The Associated Press reports.
The order will go into effect at 7 p.m., giving protesters time to leave; those who don't "could be subject to arrest and their vehicles may be seized," writes AP. The ruling arrives following a court hearing in which "the city of Windsor and lawyers for auto parts makers argued that the blockade was causing undue economic harm for the city and region." The bridge is responsible for about a third of U.S.-Canada trade, notes The New York Times.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also declared a state of emergency on Friday and warned of "severe" consequences for those who violate measures he hopes to enact following a meeting with the provincial cabinet on Saturday, per AP. "This is a pivotal, pivotal moment for our nation," he said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The judge's order is just the latest in the divisive political crisis that has rocked Canada while simultaneously garnering attention and praise from right-wing U.S. politicians. Meanwhile, there also appears to be a shady underbelly to the social media presence of the protests, as was seemingly first reported by Grid News, then later by NBC.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
'Swimming in the sky' in northern Brazil
The Week Recommends The pools of Lençóis Maranhenses are clear and blue
By The Week UK Published
-
An ailing Pope Francis – and the vultures circling in the Vatican
Talking Point Caught between his progressive inner circle and an influx of conservatism, the Holy Father should 'brace' himself for a battle
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: February 2, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical
By The Week Staff Published
-
Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Thailand
Speed Read The law grants same-sex spouses the same rights as married heterosexual couples
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Top Israeli general to resign over Oct. 7 failures
Speed Read Herzi Halevi took responsibility for his failure to prevent the attacks that sparked Israel's war in Gaza
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
80 dead in Colombia amid uptick in guerrilla fighting
Speed Read This was the country's deadliest wave of violence since the peace accords set by President Gustavo Petro in 2016
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal on track to start by Monday
Speed Read A deal between Israel and Hamas to release hostages and begin a ceasefire was officially signed by representatives in Doha
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine captures first North Korean soldiers
Speed Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted videos of the men captured in Russia's Kursk region
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Lebanon selects president after 2-year impasse
Speed Read The country's parliament elected Gen. Joseph Aoun as its next leader
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US accuses Sudan rebels of genocide, sanctions chief
Speed Read Sudan has been engaged in a bloody civil war that erupted in 2023
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published