Saskatoon police issue $2,800 ticket to anti-mask rally organizer

Police in Saskatoon have issueda $2,800 ticket to anorganizerof an anti-mask rally that was held in downtown Saskatoon on Dec. 5.

Saskatoon police said the ticket was given after consulting with prosecutors and public health officials.

The event drew hundreds of people to downtown Saskatoon. At the time, health officials were concerned the event could have spread COVID-19 through the community.

Since the initial rally, a similar event has held in Regina. Regina police also since issued two $2,800 tickets to organizers.

Another rally is scheduled for Saskatoon this weekend.

Saskatoon's police chief warned that more tickets could be given out in the future.

"The issuing of a fine is the next step in attempting to gain compliance," said Chief Troy Cooper in a news release..

"However, we continue to consult with health officials and crown prosecutors, and going forward the scope of our investigations and enforcement may expand beyond key participants."

Earlier this week, Mayor Charlie Clark denounced this weekend's rally in a series of tweets. Clark said the rallies undermine the efforts that everyone else has taken to try to physically distance and stop the spread of COVID-19.

In an interview with CBC, the organizer of the Regina rally repeated many of the unsubstantiated claims circulating on social media about the virus, masks and vaccines.

He said the public health orders violate his rights to assembly and the right to not wear a mask and said the rallies are safe because he's hugged people at them and never gotten sick.

The Regina rally was condemned by the premier after racist remarks were made by a speaker against the province's chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab.

This is the seventh public health order ticket that has been given out by Saskatoon police.

The news release said police will be present at all future gatherings that impact public safety.