Two organizers fined after anti-mask demonstration in Regina
Premier Scott Moe criticizes racist comments made by speaker at rally
Regina police say two organizers of an anti-mask demonstration in Regina have been fined $2,800 for violating Saskatchewan's Public Health Orders.
On Saturday, a large group of people gathered outside of the Regina Legislature for what the Regina Police Service called in a news release an "anti-mask convoy/rally."
Both a man and a woman were fined and Regina police say they were identified as the organizers of the event.
Each ticket carries a fine of $2,800. Regina police say the man who was fined is a resident in Saskatoon while the woman is from Deer Valley.
During the rally, a speaker purposely mispronounced the name of Saskatchewan's chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab and said, "I can't get these foreigners' names right." The crowd cheered in response to the speaker's comments.
On Sunday, Premier Scott Moe criticized the speaker's actions on Twitter, saying the comments were racist.
Yesterday, one of the speakers at a rally in Regina made comments that were beneath contempt, including racist comments about Dr. Shahab.<br><br>Last Thursday, former Health Minister Jim Reiter, who worked with Dr. Shahab for many years, made a statement about him in the Legislature. <a href="https://t.co/ktUwtQMuoG">pic.twitter.com/ktUwtQMuoG</a>
—@PremierScottMoePremier Moe also took to Twitter on Saturday to address the event.
After offering his condolences to the family of 11 people who were reported to have died after contracting COVID-19, Moe asked those at the rally to "consider how insignificant the inconveniences they are being asked to follow really are compared to the pain of losing a loved one."
I understand a large anti-mask rally is being planned today in Regina. I hope those attending would consider how insignificant the inconveniences they are being asked to follow really are compared to the pain of losing a loved one.
—@PremierScottMoeIn a news release, police thanked the media and members of the public for their cooperation.
"We understand the emotion and anxiety caused by this event; we also have families," the news release said. "Together, we will get through this time."