Lawyer for Vancouver couple who flew to Yukon for COVID-19 vaccine makes court appearance

Updated: Rod and Ekaterina Baker’s lawyer appeared on their behalf in court Tuesday. Their case was put over to May 18.

WHITEHORSE (NEWS 1130) — A wealthy Vancouver couple — who made headlines in January for flying to Yukon to get immunized against COVID-19 — made a court appearance Tuesday through their lawyer.

So-called “vaccine tourists” Rod and Ekaterina Baker were not there in person. Their lawyer was there for the appearance in Whitehorse.

It was a quick, procedural appearance and the case was put over to May 18.

The former CEO of Great Canadian Gaming and his wife were previously ordered to return for reconciliation with the White River First Nation.

They’ve been charged under Yukon’s Emergency Measures Act for failing to self-isolate and failing to act in a manner consistent with their declarations upon arrival.

The couple allegedly misled workers at a mobile clinic in Beaver Creek where only locals were supposed to be getting vaccinated, and were later intercepted at the Whitehorse airport trying to leave the territory.

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At the time, Yukon’s Community Services Minister John Streicker said the 55-year-old man and 32-year-old woman’s selfish behaviour put a region with zero active cases of COVID-19 at risk.

“All of us, as Yukoners, are outraged. Reports allege these individuals were deceptive and violated emergency measures for their own advantage which is completely unacceptable at any time, but especially during a public health crisis.”

If convicted, they face up to six months in jail.

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