Sask. won’t let those with COVID tickets flout public health orders: Wyant

Saskatchewan Justice Minister Gord Wyant says the province is going to get more aggressive when it comes to people who don’t pay their COVID-19 tickets.

During Question Period on Monday, Wyant was asked by the NDP about putting a mandatory minimum fine in place for those who violate public health orders. Wyant said he didn’t believe initiating something like that would deter those individuals who are determined to break the rules.

However, Wyant did say other options are on the table for those who are ticketed for violating public health orders and who won’t pay up.

“There’s mechanisms for the government to collect those (fines) including licence suspensions and other avenues. There’s also garnishment. We can register these judgments with Revenue Canada and a number of other things,” he said.

Saskatchewan isn’t alone in considering those measures.

On Wednesday, the B.C. government introduced legislation saying those who receive COVID tickets but refuse to pay them could be unable to renew their driver’s licence or vehicle registration. Warnings will be sent out to individuals ahead of their renewal days.

The enforcement is expected to begin July 1.

Wyant says he’s confident Saskatchewan has the tools in place to collect the fines. He hopes those who get them know that as well.

“Simply flouting the public health orders and expecting the case to be thrown out of court, I can tell you that that’s not going to happen,” he emphasized. “We’re going to aggressively prosecute these tickets and effect the fines where it’s appropriate.”

Just last weekend, both Regina and Saskatoon police handed out dozens of COVID-related fines to those attending “freedom rallies,” including handing a ticket to People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier.

Bernier posed for pictures after the ticket was given to him.

According to the Justice Ministry, there have been 155 charges under the Public Health Act as of Apr. 30.

There have been 17 convictions, but only five tickets have been fully paid, with one additional partial payment for a total of $15,086 collected.

A court date or a pending resolution is still needed for 123 tickets/violations and 15 tickets have been either withdrawn, nullified, or jurisdiction was lost.