Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is urging the province to consult him and other city officials before implementing pandemic restrictions that may do more harm than good. The province announced the border checks last Friday among a series of enhanced measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Watson said he wrote Tuesday to Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones asking her to rethink the checkpoints. "Travellers were experiencing significant delays at all Ottawa-area interprovincial crossings, the five bridges and the two ferry crossings," Watson said. Watson acknowledged provincial officials including the premier are under immense pressure, but urged them to consult with the city before announcing such measures in the future.

Source: CBC News April 21, 2021 20:01 UTC