Threats of stiff fines and even criminal charges for COVID-19 scofflaws appear to be mostly tough talk, as authorities opt for persuasion over punishment
The government warnings to Canadians to keep their distance and stay home — especially if they have recently been abroad — are being delivered in the sternest terms.
“The duration of this crisis will be determined by the choices we make right now. So, if you want this to last shorter, then do your part,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the public in his daily briefing in Ottawa on Tuesday.
“If people do not follow these guidelines, we will put in place much more stringent measures.”
But so far, the threats of stiff fines and even criminal charges for COVID-19 scofflaws appear to be mostly tough talk, as authorities opt for persuasion over punishment.
A survey of select police forces across the country found little evidence that officers are busting up large gatherings or ticketing business owners who defy government calls to shutter non-essential services while the outbreak runs its course.
WATCH | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s latest briefing on COVID-19:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the nation Tuesday, touching on legislation to help Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the need for social distancing and touching on his conversation with premiers about the federal Emergency Measures Act. 21:55
On Sunday, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil ordered the closure of parks and gave police the power to enforce the province’s Health Protection Act, which bans gatherings of more than five people, with fines of up to $1,000 for individuals and $7,500 for business owners.
As of Tuesday morning, however, Halifax Regional Police had yet to issue a ticket, choosing instead to try and educate violators.
“We have been receiving regular phone calls about people that are still gathering in groups,” said Const. John MacLeod. “But our overall approach remains the same.
“We hope with these measures in place that we can encourage people to do the right thing and keep everyone safe.”
A tool ‘that we never wish to use’
The situation is similar in Quebec, where Premier François Legault has shut all non-essential businesses, extended the closure of schools and daycares until at least the beginning of May and banned public gatherings on pain of a $1,000 fine.
Last week, police in Quebec City arrested a woman infected with COVID-19 who was defying a quarantine order, but that appears to be the only such action taken in the province thus far.
Montreal’s police service, which has received more than 200 calls since Saturday about large gatherings in public, has yet to issue a ticket.
“We’re being given that tool. Howe