Government dismisses NDP call for higher fines for violations of health orders

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.

She said the $2,800 tickets being handed out right now aren’t doing anything to deter people.

“In fact, we’re seeing protesters quite loudly brag when they receive these tickets,” said Sarauer.

She said the government has been soft on the issue and it’s emboldened the protesters. She said the amendment would have been the best way to send a message while still respecting the independence of police and prosecutors.

However, Saskatchewan Party MLAs voted down the amendment.

Speaking on Monday, Justice Minister Gord Wyant said there are already a number of penalties the police have access to when dealing with people violating the health orders. He pointed out the maximum fine under the Public Health Act is already $75,000 for an individual.

“Law enforcement has an intimate knowledge of the range of penalties that they can enforce with respect to breaches of the Public Health Act, and I rather suspect that you may see some of that,” said Wyant, who then clarified that he hasn’t directed police.

Wyant said the fines given so far are appropriate, given the legislation in place, and he said there are some people who’ve received a number of fines.

Wyant also argued the amendment put forward would have been under The Emergency Planning Amendment Act and it wouldn’t change the provisions under The Public Health Act.

The province introduced The Emergency Planning Amendment Act in December, and it went to its third reading on Monday. It does include maximum fines for people who don’t comply with emergency orders.