Strathroy-Caradoc police warned Wednesday that people who attend an expected anti-restrictions protest in the community could be slapped with hefty fines. (London police should follow this example!)
“By contravening (the provincial stay-at-home order) and attending this event you could face a charge of $750 with surcharges, totalling $880,” police said on social media.
“We do have plans . . . to be organized and be ready in case there is a display of people still (despite the warning),” Const. Michelle McIntyre said.
It’s not clear when the protest might take place, although there were references on social media to events on Thursday and Saturday.
McIntyre said police didn’t want to give the event more publicity, thereby attracting more protesters.
No More Lockdowns Canada, a group that has sponsored protests in towns such as Simcoe and Leamington, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Strathroy-Caradoc police said online they respect the right of citizens to carry out peaceful protests, but due to the stay-at-home order that went into effect April 8, “these protests are prohibited at this time to ensure everyone remains healthy and safe.”
McIntyre pointed out police always have the option of laying charges after a demonstration has taken place, when additional information becomes available to investigators.
Several hundred people, none wearing masks and most not physically distancing, gathered at a rally in Simcoe last Saturday to protest the pandemic restrictions, including the stay-at-home order put in place by Premier Doug Ford to help contain the spread of the coronavirus during the pandemic’s third wave.
NOTE: There are a lot of assholes here in S.W. Ontario walking around infecting other people!
