Protesters gather outside City Hall during emergency COVID debate

CALGARY – A crowd of protesters gathered outside Calgary’s City Hall as an emergency debate about the city’s mask bylaw got underway.

An emergency meeting was called for Friday afternoon, to reopen talks about the city’s masking rules as COVID-19 cases skyrocket in the province.

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Protesters say the province’s newly-introduced masking mandate “has nothing to do with health”.

The 50 to 100 demonstrators were seen pointing out drivers in their cars and calling them “slaves”.

Several city councillors expressed concern for employee safety as they expect similar rallies to grow in the coming days and weeks.