‘If I got COVID, I would get over it, probably:’ group protests mandatory mask-wearing in Saskatoon

Almost a dozen protesters gathered outside Saskatoon City Hall on Sunday to voice their displeasure about mandatory mask regulations in certain parts of Canada.

“This is just the next series of things they are rolling out so they can control people and intervene in people’s lives,” said Cody Payant, the organizer for the protest and member of the People’s Party of Canada. “Seniors can stay home and mitigate the risks as individuals.”

Some signs attendees brought outside City Hall. (Logan Stein/650 CKOM)

The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older, according to the Center for Disease Control.

It wasn’t just Saskatoon that had people gather on Sunday. Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Charlottetown drew an anti-mask crowd.

“This was kind of an impromptu gathering, to be honest, I kind of find it odd that there is so much media here when there is only, like, eight people here. That speaks to me, there’s an issue here,” claimed Payant as he looked over at the small gathering of people. “If I got COVID, I would get over it, probably.”

The people in attendance did not shy away from voicing their opinion, as a couple of them faced the road with their signs held high.

“Wearing a mask doesn’t help, it shouldn’t be mandatory. We are already losing enough rights as it is,” said attendee Kevin Oddy. “If I was to get kicked out of stores for not wearing a mask I would put one on, then when security isn’t looking I’ll just pull it down.”

Mandatory mask use is not permitted in Saskatchewan and it’s up to the discretion of businesses on whether they want consumers to wear masks.

Face-masks are currently mandatory in some places throughout Ontario, and Quebec.