Saskatoon mayor asks people not to attend ‘freedom’ rally

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark is asking families to stay away from Kiwanis Park on Saturday, when an anti-mask rally geared towards children is scheduled to take place.

Posters for the event circulating on social media advertise a variety of activities for children, including face-painting, a fish pond, balloon animals and science table experiments.

“I strongly request people stay away from the Children’s Freedom Rally event,” Clark said in a series of posts on Twitter on Thursday. “It is organized as part of the anti-mask activities and is irresponsible and dangerous.”

2. If parents or children attend this event and return to workplaces, schools or daycares, this endangers everyone.

Kids should never be used as a cover for dangerous activities. If you know anyone thinking of going to this event, please convince them to stay home.

— charlieclarkyxe (@charlieclarkyxe) April 22, 2021

3. I expect enforcement measures to be in place and the organizers be held accountable for bringing this threat to our community. #yxe

— charlieclarkyxe (@charlieclarkyxe) April 22, 2021

Saskatoon police will be at the event and will treat it like similar rallies in the past.

“Our number one priority is the safety of the public and we have plans in place to ensure that safe environment. We would encourage anyone in attendance to adhere to public health orders including wearing a mask and physically distancing,” police said in a statement.

Police wouldn’t say exactly how many officers will be at the rally, but they are discouraging any large gatherings that go against COVID-19 public health orders.

“If required, investigations into enforcement may take place following the event,” police said.

There are some investigations into public health violations underway and police “will ticket based on the findings of the investigation.”

“If parents or children attend this event and return to workplaces, schools or daycares, this endangers everyone,” Clark said.

“Kids should never be used as a cover for dangerous activities. If you know anyone thinking of going to this event, please convince them to stay home.”

Clark said he expects organizers to be held accountable.

Saskatoon police have issued nine public health violation tickets so far in 2021.