“We know the vast majority of Manitobans are doing their best to protect their loved ones, neighbours and community by following public health guidelines. However, there are some individuals who just aren’t listening,” said Premier Brian Pallister on Thursday November 5, 2020.
The premier announced that the province has granted 275 more personnel the power to enforce public health orders as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
The additional powers have been granted to provincial staff working as motor carrier enforcement officers, fire safety inspectors and water resources officers. This is on top of those who previously have been empowered to enforce public health orders such as police, the Health Protection Unit, Manitoba Conservation and Climate, Workplace Safety and Health, municipal bylaw enforcement officers and inspectors from the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority. In all, there are more than 3,200 people empowered to enforce the provincial COVID-19 restrictions.
“At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we encouraged enforcement personnel to focus on educating the public. Now, we need to shift our efforts toward enforcement when necessary and start hitting the scofflaws where it hurts – in the wallet,” said the premier.
Both the Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba RCMP said this week that they will be stepping up ticketing for those who ignore provincial health orders.
“The focus of our officers since the very beginning of the pandemic has been on providing education and issuing warnings, however, with the dramatic rise in cases across the province we recognize that a shift is now required,” said Chief Superintendent Rob Hill, Criminal Operations Officer, Manitoba RCMP. “While officers will still have discretion, I have made it clear that ticketing is the preferred option for individuals who are blatantly disregarding the public health orders and putting lives at risk. This is about protecting the health and safety of every Manitoban. We all need to do our part to help reduce and stop the spread of this virus.”
The province will spend $2.5 million to help municipalities where needed and create training models for enforcement officials. Commissionaires Manitoba will create a virtual training model to improve skills necessary to enforce the orders.
Premier Pallister said that the province is also setting up a dedicated tip line for Manitobans to report possible breaches of public health orders.
Fines for breaching public health orders are $1,296 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses.
Provincial data shows that since April 9, 2020, there have been 12,000 calls relating to COVID-19 concerns. About 160 tickets have been issued as of the first week of November.
© News4.ca 2020
