Sask. premier says mostly maskless PPC rally in Saskatoon 'unfortunate'
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says “it’s unfortunate” that people who attended the People’s Party of Canada (PPC) election headquarters in Saskatoon flouted the province’s mask mandate.
On election night, photos and videos shared on social and news media showed a busy convention room at the Saskatoon Inn.
Of hundreds of people, only a handful appeared to be wearing masks as per Saskatchewan’s public health order. Among the maskless was leader Maxime Bernier.
In a statement to CTV News regarding the rally, police spokesperson Alyson Edwards said police support Public Health inspectors in the enforcement of public health orders.
“As it has done in the past in response to planned rallies during the pandemic, the SPS has taken a measured approach to ensure any event remains peaceful. This approach includes the gathering of intelligence regarding violations of the Public Health Order. That information will be forwarded to Public Health Inspectors for follow-up.”
A PPC spokesperson declined comment.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Moe said the PPC is a “one issue” anti-vaccination party, in the process attempting to prolong the COVID-19 pandemic and the Liberal government.
The province brought back a temporary indoor masking mandate last week, among other measures, in response to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases.
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said that since the rally was broadcast nationally, it undermined the efforts of the city and province to curb the spread of COVID-19 and ease the pressure on the health-care system.
While people may be frustrated about the lack of police presence, public health orders are enforced by public health inspectors, not police, he said.
“I know there’s people who wanted to see it broken up on the spot and the reality is, we do need that coordination at both levels and clarity on what the expectation of enforcement is,” he said.
Clark said he’s worried about the overloaded hospital and intensive care units in Saskatoon - and if the PPC gathering turns out to be a super-spreader event, “that is a grave concern.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.