Authority to enforce virus restrictions expires for some peace officers
Some Alberta peace officers are no longer able to enforce public health orders introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Level 1 community peace officers and Level 2 Alberta peace officers no longer have the authority to enforce the orders as of Friday, according to a bulletin posted online by the Government of Alberta earlier this week.
Alberta introduced the ability for more peace officers across the province to enforce restrictions Nov. 27, when the province was dealing with an increase in complaints about non-compliance to rules amid the pandemic's growing second wave.
The authority is expiring now because the order came with a 90-day sunset clause, according to Blaise Boehmer, press secretary to Justice Minister Kaycee Madu.
“Alberta's government is currently in talks with municipalities and law enforcement to determine if they require further resources to enforce public health orders,” Boehmer said.
The order had extended enforcement authority to about 700 additional peace officers across Alberta, including 69 in Calgary.
The City of Calgary did not immediately respond to request for comment late Friday afternoon.
Boehmer said that despite the expiry, many groups will still have the ability to enforce orders from Alberta chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
“All police officers and sheriffs continue to have the authority to enforce public health orders,” he said.
“In addition, municipal bylaws related to the COVID -19 pandemic remain in effect at this time, which can be enforced by community peace officers and bylaw officers.”
As of Thursday, the City of Calgary had issued 197 tickets for violations of the Public Health Act since a provincial state of public health emergency was declared Nov. 24. Two of those tickets were issued since Feb. 18.
Violation of restrictions can carry fines of up to $1,000 per offence and up to $100,000 through the courts. The City of Calgary can also revoke business licences for those found operating in contravention of public health orders.
Though Alberta is in the midst of a plan to gradually lift COVID -19 measures, widespread restrictions on public life remain.
All indoor social gatherings are banned, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people.
Weddings and funeral receptions are also banned, and a 15 per cent capacity limit applies for places of worship.