'Extremely alarming': Frustrations mount in Sask. village as residents protest 'QAnon queen'
Residents of a small village in southwestern Saskatchewan took to their trucks on Sunday to protest their town’s newest resident — a woman who claims to have legal standing as ‘queen’ of Canada.
Romana Didulo, the leader of a fringe conspiracy group who was forced out of Kamsack, Sask. on Sept. 13, has been camped out on a resident’s property in the village of Richmound since last week — at the community’s shuttered school.
The U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League describes Didulo as a "Canadian QAnon figure" who has called for "violent action" against those who help administer COVID-19 vaccines to kids.
When Didulo arrived in Kamsack, about 200 individuals from the town and nearby First Nations confronted the group and escorted them out of town.
Now, secure on private property in Richmound, some residents fear it might not be so easy to push her and her followers out.
“Obviously the rest of the town does not want her here,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous.
She said about fifty residents staged a protest on Sunday, driving around Didulo’s compound and blaring their horns.
“I have reached out to our MLAs, the provincial government, the federal government … I have hit roadblock after roadblock after roadblock,” she said.
“We were just told they have to do something illegal before anyone can do anything.”
The shuttered school where Romana Didulo has set up camp in Richmound, Sask. (Courtesy: Concerned citizens of Richmound)
An officer working out of the Leader RCMP detachment told CTV News last week that police are aware Didulo is in the area and are monitoring the situation.
The Mountie said Didulo's group has not broken any laws.
The resident who spoke to CTV News said she was shocked to read about Didulo’s violent rhetoric, and the actions of her followers.
At a protest in Peterborough last year, two men were charged after Didulo directed her followers to place police officers under citizen’s arrest.
“It’s extremely, extremely alarming,” she said.
“I’m not necessarily scared of … the ones that are in the building. I’m scared of what she’s putting out to her followers and the followers that potentially could come here and do something.”
Richmound, Sask. is located north of Maple Creek near the Alberta border – about 445 kilometres west of Regina.
-With files from Wayne Mantyka, Drew Postey and Abby O’Brien.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton's eyewall spreads along coast
Hurricane Milton's northern eyewall has begun to spread onshore of Florida's gulf coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg where extreme wind warnings are in effect, the U.S. National Hurricane Center says.
Pilot dies aboard Turkish Airlines flight, forcing emergency landing in New York
A Turkish Airlines jetliner headed from Seattle to Istanbul made an emergency landing in New York on Wednesday after the captain died on board, an airline official said.
Hundreds of thousands of popular vehicles recalled in Canada over steering issue
Hundreds of thousands of vehicles are being recalled in Canada due to a steering-related issue that could increase a driver's risk of crash.
video
video Why are there cars in the Detroit River?
Dozens of cars were pulled out of the Detroit River in west Windsor on Tuesday, causing many questions for Windsorites.
'We want things to go forward': Bloc leader hints his party 'might' help end House impasse
The leader of the Bloc Quebecois says his party 'might play a role' in helping the Liberals get House of Commons business rolling again — after days of Conservative-led debate on a privilege matter — but that his assistance would come at a cost.
Former CIA director says Israel 'unlikely' to target Iranian nuclear sites as retaliation
Former CIA Director and retired Gen. David Petraeus says it is 'unlikely' Israel will target Iranian nuclear sites in retaliation for last week's ballistic missile attack.
Rare Monet returned to family more than 80 years after it was stolen by Nazis
A Claude Monet pastel painting stolen by Nazis during World War II, which vanished for decades only to show up with a Louisiana art dealer, was returned Wednesday in New Orleans to the descendants of its original owners.
Women say they were kicked off of Spirit Airlines flight for what they were wearing
Two Orange County women are speaking out after they say they were kicked off of a Spirit Airlines flight because of what they were wearing.
Human smuggling charge laid against Winnipeg man: RCMP
A 42-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with human smuggling following an investigation near a Canada-U.S. border crossing in Manitoba.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Regina
-
Supreme Court of Canada reserves decision in case of Sask. jail policy
The Justices of Canada's Supreme Court are deliberating a case brought forward by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan, challenging practices by the province's correctional system.
-
Regina man convicted in three murders to receive new trial on two
Saskatchewan's highest court has granted Dillon Whitehawk an appeal and a new trial has been ordered for the 2019 deaths of Jordan Denton and Keenan Toto.
-
Sask NDP touring Yorkton area with plans to end rural ER disruptions
The Saskatchewan New Democrats are touring the Parkland region, vowing to end rural emergency room disruptions if they form government this fall.
Winnipeg
-
Human smuggling charge laid against Winnipeg man: RCMP
A 42-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with human smuggling following an investigation near a Canada-U.S. border crossing in Manitoba.
-
New bill to regulate sale of machetes, other long-bladed weapons in Manitoba
A bill restricting the sale of long-bladed weapons was introduced in Manitoba Wednesday by Justice Minister Matt Wiebe.
-
Winnipeg landlord facing fines over mass apartment evictions
A Winnipeg landlord is facing $9,000 in penalties following a mass eviction at a Winnipeg apartment block this summer.
Edmonton
-
Police release video of encampment found dug into hill under High Level Bridge
On Wednesday, Edmonton police posted video of a large encampment found excavated under the High Level Bridge in August.
-
Alberta MLA comparing transgender students to poop welcomed back by UCP
Jennifer Johnson, Lacombe-Ponoka legislature member, has been welcomed back into the United Conservative Party (UCP).
-
Should magpies be Edmonton's bird? Here's how to cast your vote
Edmontonians are being asked to cast their ballot for the local bird they think best represents our city.
Calgary
-
Man charged with arson following Calgary townhome explosion still in hospital
Calgary police say more charges are expected against a man accused of intentionally starting a fire that caused an explosion in northeast Calgary over the weekend.
-
Penbrooke Meadows stabbing declared 'random attack' by police
Calgary police say a stabbing in the community of Penbrooke Meadows on Tuesday is believed to be random.
-
Alleged stalker visited Cranston homes multiple times: Calgary police
Calgary police are appealing to the public for help as they work to identify a suspect accused of stalking and harassing the residents of two Cranston homes.
Lethbridge
-
Two Lethbridge family doctors shuttering practices at Campbell Clinic South
Thousands more Lethbridge residents will soon be without a family doctor.
-
Machete-wielding suspect who died in custody resisted arrest: ASIRT
Alberta's police watchdog says the Medicine Hat police officers who were involved in an in-custody death in August 2023 acted reasonably and with appropriate force in dealing with a suspect armed with a machete.
-
Drugs and nunchucks seized in Brocket traffic stop
Charges have been laid against a 44-year-old man following a traffic stop in Brocket, Piikani Nation RCMP said Tuesday.
Toronto
-
William Osler Health System apologizes after Sikh patient's beard shaved 'without consent and without medical necessity'
William Osler Health System is apologizing for an incident in which an elderly Sikh patient’s facial hair was shaved 'without consent and without medical necessity' by staff at Brampton Civic Hospital.
-
'I should have been there': Toronto mayor says she regrets not being at Oct. 7 vigil
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is expressing regret for not attending a massive vigil held earlier this week where the city’s Jewish community commemorated one year since the October 7 terrorist attack. But her explanation isn’t adding up, event organizers say.
-
Woman in critical condition after being struck by bus in Toronto's east end
A woman is in critical and life-threatening condition after being struck by a bus in Toronto’s east end Wednesday afternoon.
Ottawa
-
Kanata residents living in 'horror' from rat infestation
Halloween is right around the corner, but residents of a South Kanata community say they've been living in what feels like a horror movie for over a month.
-
Here's what it’s like to commute by transit from Barrhaven
As the LRT's new north-south line prepares to open, many Barrhaven transit users will still have to use buses and transfer to commute downtown.
-
Mathieu Fleury no longer Cornwall's chief administrative officer
The City of Cornwall says it has “parted ways” with Mathieu Fleury as the city's chief administrative officer, though the details of his departure are unclear.
Montreal
-
Old Montreal fire: another building owned by same landlord shot at overnight
Three young people aged 17, 19 and 20 were arrested after shots were fired late on Tuesday near Old Montreal.
-
Official languages report questions enrolment cap on Quebec English CEGEPs
Canada's official languages commissioner is expressing concern over Quebec's decision to cap the number of students who can enrol in the province's English-language junior colleges.
-
The Council of Ministers dismisses the CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord
In the wake of persistent problems in the Côte-Nord health network, the Council of Ministers has indicated that it has dismissed Manon Asselin, President and CEO of the Côte-Nord CISSS.
Vancouver
-
Okanagan homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
-
CTV News Reality Check: B.C. leaders' debate includes misleading, muddled statements
When the three major party leaders spoke to British Columbians for 90 minutes Tuesday during their only televised debate, they slung attacks at each other while touting their own ideas and promises.
-
Did John Rustad witness an overdose death on his way to the B.C. leaders' debate?
During the campaign, BC Conservative Leader John Rustad has repeatedly said people are "dying on the streets" in the province – and on Tuesday he claimed to have witnessed that very thing in downtown Vancouver while he was on his way to the leaders' debate.
Kelowna
-
Okanagan homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
-
B.C. man gets prison sentence, fine for using fake names to buy guns in the U.S.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
-
2nd-degree murder charge laid nearly 2 years after Kelowna stabbing
Nearly two years after a man was stabbed to death in downtown Kelowna, RCMP have made an arrest in the case.
Vancouver Island
-
Did John Rustad witness an overdose death on his way to the B.C. leaders' debate?
During the campaign, BC Conservative Leader John Rustad has repeatedly said people are "dying on the streets" in the province – and on Tuesday he claimed to have witnessed that very thing in downtown Vancouver while he was on his way to the leaders' debate.
-
Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo lauds B.C. Green Party in leadup to election
American actor and environmental activist Mark Ruffalo is weighing in on British Columbia politics, lauding the B.C. Green Party's stance on fossil fuels ahead of the Oct. 19 election.
-
B.C. wildlife group offers $1,000 reward after dead black bears found without paws
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service says it is investigating after the bodies of two black bears with their paws removed were found in a Fraser Valley river.
London
-
'How many lives we need to continue losing?': Son of fatal crash victim calling for intersection changes in Thamesford
This latest crash was the second fatal and third serious accident at this intersection in the past couple of months - when asked, locals said that the intersection is 'kind of blind.'
-
Pedestrian struck in Sarnia collision
Sarnia police attended the scene of a vehicle collision at the intersection of George Street and Christina Street North Wednesday morning.
-
World renowned Canadian Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser in London for St. Joseph's Hospital Tribute Dinner
One of Canada's best-ever hockey players, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, was in London Wednesday. Dr. Wickenheiser is the special guest speaker at the St. Joseph's Tribute Dinner inside the RBC Centre in London, Ont.
Kitchener
-
Person struck by GO train in Kitchener has died, police confirm
One person was struck by a GO train, near the Kitchener station, on Wednesday morning.
-
Experts say lithium batteries are safe – if used properly
Lithium batteries, found in everything from cellphones to electric vehicles, have become a part of our daily lives – but recent fires have prompted concerns about their use.
-
Kitchener, Ont. grocer pushing Ontario lawmakers to strengthen employee protections
Ontario lawmakers are looking to close the loopholes allowing some employers to take advantage of their workers - and they specifically cited Dutchies, a Kitchener grocery store.
Northern Ontario
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton's eyewall spreads along coast
Hurricane Milton's northern eyewall has begun to spread onshore of Florida's gulf coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg where extreme wind warnings are in effect, the U.S. National Hurricane Center says.
-
Hundreds of thousands of popular vehicles recalled in Canada over steering issue
Hundreds of thousands of vehicles are being recalled in Canada due to a steering-related issue that could increase a driver's risk of crash.
-
Members of North Bay-based 22 Wing participates in NATO air defense exercises in Greece
For the last few weeks, fighter jets have been spotted soaring over Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, part of the ‘Ramstein Flag 24’ that includes military personnel from 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay.
Atlantic
-
Police investigating missing funds from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s riding association
Premier Tim Houston said he was notified on Monday morning that funds had been allegedly stolen from the Pictou East Riding Association.
-
Former CTV Atlantic employee bracing for Hurricane Milton from his Clearwater home
Former CTV Atlantic employee Eric Bungay who now works for a CBS affiliate in Tampa Bay is bracing for Hurricane Milton's arrival.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton's eyewall spreads along coast
Hurricane Milton's northern eyewall has begun to spread onshore of Florida's gulf coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg where extreme wind warnings are in effect, the U.S. National Hurricane Center says.
N.L.
-
'Crack houses' across rural Newfoundland? RCMP has no reports supporting MP's claim
A Conservative MP from Newfoundland and Labrador says some small towns in his rural riding are overrun with crime, but police say they haven't received reports to that effect.
-
Self-identifying Indigenous group got $74M in federal cash, Inuit leader wants change
As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
-
Marathon goat: Animal runner wins hearts and a medal after crashing Newfoundland race
He may not have logged the fastest time or even gone the full distance, but residents of a Newfoundland town agree the goat who unexpectedly joined the local weekend half marathon was the event's undisputed champion.
