The Saskatoon Police Service wants the public to know that it is aware of the Children’s Freedom Rally planned for Saturday by the Vimy Memorial and officers will be there to ensure it is peaceful and restrictions under the Public Health Order are enforced. The social media invitation to this event indicates most people will not be wearing masks.

A Children’s Gathering This Weekend Anticipates Ignoring Public Health Orders

The Police Service says in a news release that enforcement activity may not always be visible to the public. Officers use a variety of approaches to manage a protest which could include communicating with the organizer to ensure the protest is conducted safely. Key participants can be identified and subsequent to an investigation, charges may be laid.

The Police Service says its response to a protest is a balance between protecting the rights of people to express their opinions in a safe and peaceful manner while ensuring the general safety of the community at large.

Saskatoon Police officers have issued 25 tickets for Public Health Order violations since the beginning of the pandemic.