Leader of the People's Party of Canada Maxime Bernier spoke in Stuart Park in Kelowna, April 8, 2021.
Image Credit: TWITTER/Maxime Bernier
April 09, 2021 - 2:43 PM
The leader of the People’s Party of Canada is being watched closely by Interior Health as he travels across the Thompson, Okanagan and Shuswap.
Maxime Bernier is touring the region this week to talk to business owners who have been affected by the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions, according to his party. Bernier’s tour, which wraps up today, April 9, included Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Enderby, Salmon Arm and Kamloops.
“We have been made aware of this and we are keeping a close eye on it as well and there are currently some orders that prohibit these things so, if the rules get broken they will eventually deal with that,” said Interior Health’s chief medical health officer Dr. Albert de Villiers, in a press conference today, April 9.
Public health officials have asked residents to avoid non-essential travel between different regions, and large gatherings are not permitted.
“People should avoid any activities that put themselves, their loved ones and their communities at risk. We would also take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of physical distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently," according to a statement from Interior Health. "When we become aware of events or gatherings that violate provincial orders, we will attempt to contact the organizer and, if required and in consultation with RCMP/bylaw, come to the location to ensure compliance."
Kelowna RCMP media liaison Jocelyn Noseworthy said via email she was not aware of any tickets that were issued regarding Bernier’s visit in Kelowna. RCMP detachments in Penticton, Kamloops and Vernon did not immediately return a request for comment.
This weekend, Bernier is speaking in Vancouver as part of two rallies, one to end COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and at another to protest against child medical-transition and identity ideology in schools, according to the party’s website.
“To end the lockdowns, it’s a huge struggle we’re doing all across this country and we’ll win that one,” Bernier said in a video posted on his Twitter page, showing him at Stuart Park in Kelowna.
He said while he respects those who decide to get the vaccine, there should be a freedom of choice whether to get it or not. He said he will fight against COVID-19 passports as the leader of the People’s Party as it will allow for some citizens to have more rights than others.
The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory, nor are there any vaccines in Canada that are mandatory but Immunize B.C. highly recommends getting the vaccine.
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