‘Not the Saskatchewan way:’ Shahab, Moe condemn weekend protest at Shahab’s home

Dr. Saqib Shahab said Tuesday he’s thankful for all the support and feels sorry for his neighbours and family after a group of people protested COVID-19 measures outside his home last weekend.

“The philosophical level is that in a democracy, you expect vigorous debate over every policy,” Shahab said. “Right now, we’re in a pandemic. It’s a long year and it’s creating pressure for everyone.

“But even outside a pandemic, in democracies, you debate vigorously anything and you express your opinions to many channels that are available in a democracy. In my view, there is precedence that you cannot take it outside any residence.”

Premier Scott Moe joined many others across the province Tuesday condemning the protest after messages supporting Shahab poured in after the protest.

“What happened this weekend is not what Saskatchewan is about,” Moe said.  “Saskatchewan is a much better place with Dr. Shahab doing what he does each and every day. What we saw this past weekend — there was a line that was crossed.”

Moe clarified that COVID-19 regulations are set by the government and that Shahab provides advice as the province’s chief medical health officer, but he does not make those decisions himself.

“What we saw this weekend was a protest that moved from protesting a government decision to protesting a person,” Moe said, calling the protest “unprecedented activity in Saskatchewan.”

“That isn’t us in this province — and it needs to stop. That is not the Saskatchewan way.”

Shahab further stated his disapproval after the group made up of roughly a dozen protestors were seen outside his home Saturday waving signs and denouncing public health measures.

“No one should be targeted because of race, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation — and I think successful countries, successful societies are inclusive and do well,” Shahab said.

Moe wouldn’t say if the protest had anything to do with the colour of Shahab’s skin when he was asked by a reporter.

Shahab thanked all the people for taking the time to reach out on social media.

“The response to this protest by the vast majority of the public was more eloquent than I can ever be, and it gives wind to my sails, certainly. That is what Saskatchewan is all about and what Canada is all about,” he said.

Shahab said social media can perpetuate hate and radicalize “those who are susceptible to hate.”

On Saturday, Moe said the province was evaluating long-term security options to keep Shahab working without having to worry about his personal safety. Moe wouldn’t divulge what those options were.

Shahab said he was working Saturday when he was told about the protest.

“I kept doing my work,” he said when giving his personal take on the situation. “I couldn’t clear my snow for about three hours, then went out and did my snow-clearing afterwards when it was -30 instead of -20.”