The Kelowna RCMP has issued a ticket to an organizer of a Saturday afternoon (Dec. 12) march in downtown Kelowna, which protested COVID-19 restrictions.
The protest attracted hundreds who paraded down Water Street and across Highway 97, blocking traffic.
READ MORE: Large anti-restriction protest blocks downtown Kelowna traffic
RCMP were in attendance and have confirmed a ticket was issued for violating the provincial public health order. The Capital News previously reported that an officer on scene said a $2,300 fine was on the table for those violating B.C. public health restrictions on social gatherings.
害羞草研究所淧eople in Canada have a democratic right to lawful and peaceful protest and the RCMP must use discretion when balancing a citizen害羞草研究所檚 rights with the current potential health risks associated to large public gatherings,害羞草研究所� stated RCMP Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy Saturday night.
害羞草研究所淗owever, we would like to remind the public that if they are engaging in activities contrary to the provincial Public Health Order, they could be issued a ticket.害羞草研究所�
RCMP further explained that officers were in attendance Saturday to ensure the safety of protesters and the rest of the public.
害羞草研究所淭his was a march that crossed several busy downtown core roadways and our police officers were on hand to maintain the peace害羞草研究所π卟菅芯克鶟
Police were also in attendance to prevent confrontations, noted Noseworthy.
She said everyone has a key role to play during the health emergency, and that 害羞草研究所渢here are many害羞草研究所� people respecting prevention orders put in place by health authorities.
害羞草研究所淲e encourage everyone to adhere to the order being implemented to keep everyone safe, and reduce the risks,害羞草研究所� said Noseworthy.
害羞草研究所淲hile we certainly can, and will, enforce the provisions available to us under the COVID Related Measures Act, we continue to encourage everyone to voluntarily comply with the provincial health orders, so enforcement is not required.害羞草研究所�
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Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
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