Anti-mask movement switches gears

CALGARY (CityNews) — Afraid of the consequences of Alberta introducing new enforcement tools for police has an anti-lockdown group changing direction.

Their “Walk for Freedom” protest is now hitting the road.

The pre-emptive injunction the courts granted the province last week means that police can fine, arrest, and charge organizers and participants who are ignoring public health guidelines.

In response, one group which has been consistently protesting on weekends in Calgary posted on Facebook, saying the walk originally scheduled for Prince’s Island Park this Saturday, will now be a drive at a different location.

“They have obviously read, or are knowledgeable about the governments more intentional approach to enforcement, ” said Doug King, a law professor at Mount Royal University,

King says the group may revert back to old tactics if they find this one isn’t working.

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In fact, some supporters have commented that they’ll still be taking part in walks, not drives.

And, one former RCMP member turned law student says increased punishment just isn’t the way to go.

“Social science has shown that the threat of increased punishment, doesn’t deter crime. And yet, governments consistently go back to that old troupe, and it’s ridiculous,” said Chad Haggerty.

He adds if the province had more clear, consistent messaging, we may not be in this position.

“Had police, or AHS, or the province done more to underscore the seriousness of the health orders, of the masking mandates, of the social distancing mandates, the order would never have had to be released.”

Alberta has had some of the lowest ticketing and enforcement rates in the country – handing out 35 tickets between April and November 2020.

Compare that to British Columbia’s 362 tickets in about five months.

“It’s still really too early to say if it’s worked or not,” said King.

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For that, he says, we’ll need to wait at least two or three weeks and evaluate then.

CityNews reached out to the Calgary Police Service regarding the change in approach from the protestors, in which it responded:

“The Calgary Police Service has and always will respect the rights of those who choose to peacefully assemble and demonstrate. While we are encouraged by some groups choosing to adjust their approach to protests by limiting physical contact by using vehicles, they must also ensure all laws are adhered to.

For anyone planning to engage in vehicle-based mobile rallies or protests, we urge organizers to stress the importance of obeying all traffic laws and to conduct themselves with public safety as a priority.

To limit traffic disruption, as well as risk of collisions and other traffic safety issues, we ask organizers to cooperate with members of our Major Events and Emergency Management Section (MEEMS) to establish a route and traffic safety plan.

Organizers and participants must consider all users of the roads in Calgary and respect other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.”