Saskatoon police say tickets expected after PPC election night event

The Saskatoon Police Service says an investigation is ongoing after hundreds of unmasked people packed into a People's Party of Canada (PPC) event on election day.

On Sept. 20, the PPC held an election viewing event featuring an appearance from party leader Maxime Bernier at the Saskatoon Inn.

Many of the people at the indoor event were not wearing masks, despite a provincial mask mandate for indoor spaces that had been re-enacted three days earlier.

In a brief emailed response Tuesday, Saskatoon police said that tickets were expected, but there was no timeframe for when they may be issued.

WATCH | PPC Leader Maxime Bernier said he would not tell his supporters to wear masks 

'All of these people are responsible individuals': Maxime Bernier says in response to unmasked supporters at PPC event

3 years ago

Duration 2:26

People's Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier is asked to respond to the Saskatoon Police Service tweeting it is aware of concerns about unmasked supporters at the PPC event and that it would work with the public health officials to look into it.

Speaking to reporters the night of the event, Bernier said he would not ask his supporters to follow the mask rules, saying that they were responsible individuals and responsible for their own actions.

Bernier went on to say that he believed imposing a mask mandate is unconstitutional and illegal.

That night, Saskatoon police tweeted that they had been told about masking concerns at a local election event, but did not provide specifics.

The tweet said police would be talking with public health officials to determine next steps.

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said that he shared the police's concerns, especially considering the city's continued high rate of COVID-19.

The interim public health order requires masks to be worn in any enclosed space other than a private home. The order includes workplaces, recreational venues and bars and restaurants.

In May, the provincial government raised fines for breaking a public health order to a maximum of $7,500 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations.

Starting Friday, Saskatchewan residents will have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID test result to access many establishments, businesses and event venues.