‘Key participant’ in Saskatoon protest handed $2,800 fine

The Saskatoon Police Service has issued a $2,800 ticket to a person it called “a key participant of a protest” that took place in Kiwanis Park on Dec. 5.

It’s the seventh ticket the SPS has handed out for a violation of COVID-19 measures under The Public Health Act.

In a media release Friday, police said they will attend all future public gatherings that “impact community safety.”

A rally is set for this weekend in Saskatoon.

“The issuing of a fine is the next step in attempting to gain compliance,” Chief Troy Cooper said in the release. “However, we continue to consult with health officials and Crown prosecutors, and going forward the scope of our investigations and enforcement may expand beyond key participants.”

New measures instituted by the provincial government to limit the spread of COVID took effect Thursday at 12:01 a.m. One of those new rules capped the number of people who can attend an outdoor gathering at 10, provided social distancing can be maintained.