- Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Monday that the province will begin to ease some COVID-19 restrictions; vaccine passports will no longer be required as of March 1.
- The Ambassador Bridge was back open to traffic Monday morning. On Friday, a judge allowed police to move in and arrest protesters blockading the major bridge connecting Detroit with Ontario.
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to speak with premiers in a call Monday morning. Several Canadian news outlets report discussions will revolve around plans to invoke the Emergencies Act.
- Auto production has kicked back into gear after shifts were paused or shortened while the Ambassador Bridge remained blocked. Some companies said it will take several days for production to resume at normal levels while they wait for parts to be delivered to factories.
Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images
Ontario to drop vaccine proof amid ongoing protests
Ontario is set to end its COVID-19 vaccine passport system on March 1, as efforts increase to peacefully end protests across the region.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Monday morning, saying the relaxed rules are happening now because “it’s safe to do so,” not due to recent protests.
“Today’s announcement is not happening because of what’s happening in Ottawa or Windsor, but despite it,” Ford said.
Ford warned remaining protestors of more severe consequences and again implored those with children to go home.
“This has to come to an end,” he said.
“And if it doesn’t come to an end, you’re going to have serious consequences. You will lose your license for life, you’re going to lose your car indefinitely. And we’re going to throw every tool we have at you to make sure we bring stability back.”
Ford said a “number” of personal vehicles were seized over the weekend.
The Ontario Premier declared a state of emergency in the province Friday. He is set to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other premiers Monday morning.
