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Eight people ticketed by Barrie police at downtown 'freedom rally' (6 photos)

Federal party leader Maxime Bernier compares current lockdown measures as being akin to communist China

Eight people left today's 'freedom rally' in downtown Barrie with tickets in hand for breaching public health restrictions. 

The ongoing anti-lockdown protest, which has been happening the past several weeks at Meridian Place in downtown Barrie, was on again today and brought out an even larger crowd than in the past, despite several warnings from police that there would be fines and politicians asking people to stay away as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise.

Saturday’s event saw between 400 and 500 people defying provincial stay-at-home orders, as well as health guidelines requesting people to wear masks and practise physical distancing. 

Barrie police handed out the rally’s first ticket last weekend and confirmed it was the organizer who received the fine.

Today, Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon said eight Provincial Offence notices were issued under the Reopening Ontario Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, ranging from $750 to $880.

“The approach that we took was a measured approach, and that is an approach we have been using for the last five weeks now. We did approach some organizers and some of the participants and they have received tickets under the Provincial Offences Act," said Leon, who also noted the protest was peaceful.

While Leon wouldn't say exactly who was ticketed, he confirmed the eight tickets went to organizers and some attendees. 

"We're taking a gradual, escalated approach," he said.

One of the main draws Saturday was People’s Party of Canada (PPC) leader Maxime Bernier, who spoke out in favour of what the crowd was protesting against. 

“I’m looking right now at what is happening in our country. I’m looking at what happened in communist China and I feel like I am not in Canada anymore,” said Bernier. “I’m a proud Canadian like you and we need to always fight for our freedom, because right now we cannot take our freedom for granted anymore.”

Bernier went on to say he and the crowd may represent a small minority, but they are “starting an ideological revolution.”

“We must maintain our freedom, our way of life, our Western civilization values right now, against these authoritarian government in Ottawa, in B.C., in Quebec,” he said. “Enough is enough.”

The Meridian Place protests have been happening since March 15. Organizer Tyler Nicholson previously telling BarrieToday “we do not support any of the mandates, because it’s illegal to force any medical practice on the populace.”

When morning came on Saturday, a note signed by "Your Neighbours" was placed near the Meridian Place stage and the seating area. The note said: “We understand your frustration with our government and the exhaustion that comes with being let down over and over again.”

It continued by asking the protesters to rethink their attendance at today’s event and to think of the businesses affected by people not wanting to come downtown, adding their movement was “rooted in conspiracy, pseudo-science and, more prominently, hate.”

A woman with the event was seen taking down the notes before any attendees could arrive and read them. 

Also in attendance at the rally was Simmering Kettle owner Shalu Persaud, who received cheers from the crowd when her name was mentioned. 

The local restaurant owner made headlines this week when her south-end Barrie eatery defied provincial orders and continued to allow dine-in for patrons.

Michael Catania comes downtown every weekend to grab a coffee and and walk around, but admits he leaves before the rally starts.

“I don’t stick around because I feel (the rallies) are filled with ego and anger, and the anger amplifies an energy that is unpleasant,” he said.

Catania shook his head when he heard one of the organizers do a microphone check and ask the police if they heard him, as they were farther away. Catania shook his head and commented: “It's this guys ego.”

“I believe in the inclusion of all, including the respect for our government protocols and procedures," Catania said.