Anti-mask billboard in Estevan prompts controversy and calls for removal

A billboard displayed inEstevan has sparked controversy andconversation both online and among Saskatchewan leaders.

The digitalbillboard displays four separate messages: oneattacks mask-wearing in classrooms, one urges people not to consume COVID-19newsand the other two attackCOVID-19 health measures.

Up until Wednesday, thesign also displayed the logo ofSaskTel and its dealer Jump.ca above the controversial messaging. SaskTel said it is not associated with the billboard messages.

"This sign is not owned by SaskTel or its dealer Jump.ca, and therefore SaskTel does not have any control over the messaging on the billboard," SaskTelsaidin a statement.

SaskTel said thatJump.ca requested that their logo be removed from the sign and that the logo has officially been painted over as of Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Saskatchewan NDPleader Ryan Meilicalled for the owner of the sign to take down the anti-masking and anti-protocol messaging.

"I think it's absolutely awful ... It makes zero sense for us to be having people advertising against laws and against public safety," Meili said.

"I understand people are stressed, people are sick of this, they're fatigued. But why you'd be out there trying to to spread propaganda that's only going to make it last longermakes zero sense to me."

Premier Scott Moe told reporters on Wednesday that Saskatchewan is in some of the most crucial days of its pandemic response. He said the public health orders are working and need to be followed.

"So I just don't really have a lot of time forpeople that are trying to advocate for others to to break the laws," Moe said."I think that[billboard] is also advocating for kids to not be masked, whichis possibly even a little bit more troublesome."

Billboard will stay

The company that owns the sign, Future Signs,told CBC that it will not be removing the anti-mask and anti-protocol billboards at this time.

The company said positive responses to the messaginghavebeen five times greater than negative responses.

Future Signs saidit will be releasing an official statement within the next two days.