'Dangerous stunt': N.B. public health officers will be at planned anti-mask gatherings
The New Brunswick government says it's ready to act in response to a widely shared social media post encouraging a gathering of maskless shoppers.
The post tells people to gather at Wal-Mart locations in Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton at a specific time and enter each store as a large group, without wearing a mask.
The post goes on to encourage people to make a purchase while in the store, and if refused, abandon items at the cash register before walking out.
Premier Blaine Higgs says the province-wide requirement of wearing a mask inside public areas will be upheld.
"I assure you that our public safety officials will have monitored what this is scheduled to be, and will be present," says Higgs.
The maximum fine for violating a COVID-19 regulation in New Brunswick is $20,400.
A statement from the Department of Justice and Public Safety says peace officers will "address any violations they see."
"New Brunswickers do not need the risk created by a dangerous stunt like this, and essential retail workers certainly don't need to be put in this position," says the written statement. "Anyone tempted to be part of this organized violation of the law should stay away."
Wal-Mart Canada didn't provide comment.
Throughout the pandemic, front-line retail employees have been forced to bear the brunt of anger about COVID-19 decisions made by government.
"Retailers, restaurants, they're not making these rules up," says Jim Cormier of the Retail Council of Canada. "They're following the law. Our members will be prepared to the best extent possible to try and de-escalate those situations and hopefully they won't have to deal with it."
Cormier says anger is being directed to the wrong people, in the wrong location.
"It's not acceptable to use a retail space, to use a restaurant, to use a hospital, as a prop," he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.