Editors Note: Video removed by YouTube has now been uploaded to Rumble. Click link below to view.
https://rumble.com/vfte2h-covid-19-anti-lockdown-protest.html
Four people were handed tickets in downtown Cobourg on Saturday, April 17, 2021 after another gathering in violation of the current provincewide Stay-At-Home order.
Since the beginning of the pandemic anti-lockdown protestors have gathered in front of Victoria Hall from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday.
Three weeks ago, one person was given a ticket for $880.00, last Saturday seven tickets each worth $880.00 were handed out along with two individuals were issued Provincial Summons for the Offence of Obstruct any person exercising a power in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency.
This Saturday along with the four tickets handed out in violation of the current provincewide Stay-At-Home-Order, police identified two individuals from last weekends protest who will be charged among the approximately 30 protestors in attendance.
All the charges are under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
This Saturday was much different as protestors stuck to their message without derogatory messages hurled at officers.
Two of the protestors who were issued tickets last week personally apologized to police today for their behaviour.
There were many police officers who were at Victoria Hall well before the protestors arrived including police, Special Constables, Identification Officers who were videotaping and photographing individuals, a by-law officer, Auxiliary members and officers on bicycles.
For over an hour protestors essentially avoided Victoria Hall and walked up and down King Street carrying their signs while police stood in front of the town hall.
One protestor who decided to stay at Victoria Hall kept walking with a sign directed at traffic was given the first ticket for $880.00 at approximately 2:17 p.m.
Even after being given the tickets and advised to leave by the police, none of the protestors left until 3 p.m.
One protestor who put her sign in a vehicle and went into a store was followed by police who stated she would be given two tickets for $880.00. One for last Saturday and another for today.
Recent changes to the current Stay-At-Home order prohibit all outdoor gatherings, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone.
Officers spoke with the group, engaging with the group to ensure understanding of the recent changes and clarity that those who chose not to comply would be charged accordingly. Interactions between the group and the police were respectful.
The four people were charged with Fail to comply with an order made during a declared
emergency, contrary to section 7.0.11(1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
The Cobourg Police Service supports all measures necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19 and variants in our community and will continue to work with local public health, municipal and regional officials to ensure compliance. Cobourg Police will continue to be proactive and complaint-driven in our response to the increased measures.
While provincial offences officers, including police officers, have enforcement rights under the new EMCPA order, we will continue to focus on the 4 Es – Engage, Explain, Educate, and Enforce. Those that refuse to comply will receive the appropriate penalty.
Cobourg Mayor John Henderson stated to Today’s Northumberland, “I continue to support all provincial guidelines and public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 within our community. The Cobourg Police Service have been steadfast in their proactive and responsible approach towards ensuring residents make good choices by engaging, explaining, educating and lastly enforcing in response to the increased measures outlined in the Stay-At-Home Order. Please everyone, make those good choices.”
Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf spoke to Today’s Northumberland and stated, “today was a another busy day for the members of the Cobourg Police Service. Our members continued with our highly proactive approach to the ever changing situation. Our officers, Special Constables and Auxiliary were very present engaging with the community in an educational approach. I am quite proud of how everyone worked together.”
VandeGraaf stated the community was “very supportive” of the officers and although tickets were handed out, “there was mutual respect.”
“We will continue to work with everyone to make sure we are safe.”
More information
On April 7, 2021, The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, declared a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 12:01 am, the government is issuing a provincewide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes.
On April 16, 2021, the Ontario government announced a two-week extension to the current Stay-At Home Order. Additional restrictions and enforcement measures were also announced. These urgent actions are targeted at stopping the rapid growth in COVID-19 case rates and relieving mounting pressures on the province’s health care system.
The current Stay-At-Home order is expected to remain in effect until May 19, 2021, but could be
extended.
The set fines for Orders under EMCPA are:
$750 – Fail to comply with an order made during a declared emergency, contrary to section 7.0.11(1) of the EMCPA.
$1000 – Obstruct any person exercising a power in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency, contrary to section 7.0.11(1) of the EMCPA.
$1000 – Obstruct any person performing a duty in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency, contrary to section 7.0.11(1) of the EMCPA.
A Victim FINE Surcharge is an additional $130 for each of the above charges.
Resources
Government of Ontario – covid-19.ontario.ca
Ontario Strengthens Enforcement of Stay-at-Home Order
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/61192/ontario-strengthens-enforcement-of-stay-at-home-order
HKPR District Health Unit – www.hkpr.on.ca
Town of Cobourg Information – www.cobourg.ca/covid-19
Cobourg Police Service – cobourgpoliceservice.com
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
