By Moises Canales
Photo: CKRM
The Saskatchewan NDP is still working to introduce increased minimum fines for organizers of COVID-19 rallies which defy Saskatchewan’s public health order.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Gord Wyant said on Monday there is no need to establish a mandatory minimum penalty with respect to these infractions. He believes it will not deter individuals from not following health measures, but that people will face consequences for their actions based on the current fining system.
“Public Prosecutions will aggressively prosecute those tickets and we’re confident we will be able to enforce those penalties,” discussed Wyant. “I don’t think putting in a mandatory minimum in place is going to at all deter these individuals from continuing to do what they have been doing.”
NDP MLA for Regina Douglas Park, Nicole Sarauer. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME file photo)
The Saskatchewan NDP wants to send a message to anti-mask protesters, but the provincial government is dismissing the attempt.
On the weekend, NDP Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer tried to amend The Emergency Planning Amendment Act to add a minimum $10,000 fine for anyone organizing a protest that violates public health orders.
Sarauer said Monday the intent was to send a message to the anti-mask and what she called “pro-COVID” protesters.
“It’s time for the legislature and government to set a very clear message that these actions and these rallies are unacceptable and dangerous and stupid,” said Sarauer.
The Saskatchewan government is looking to hit those who violate its emergency orders right in the wallet.
On Thursday, the Saskatchewan Party government introduced the Emergency Planning Amendment Act, which will increase the maximum fines for persons who don’t comply with emergency orders.
The new ceiling for fines under the act will be $7,500 for individuals, up from $2,000, and $100,000 for corporations, up from $10,000.
“We want to make sure that we send a strong signal to the people of Saskatchewan, especially those who would ignore our public health orders about the seriousness of the ramifications and consequences that can come from breaching public health orders,” Justice Minister Gord Wyant said Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Saskatchewan government introduced amendments to the province s emergency planning legislation that increase the amount both people and companies can be fined for non-compliance with emergency orders.