CHAT News file photo

By Alex McCuaig

CHURCH GROUPS, INDIVIDUALS SOUGHT INJUNCTION

Judge dismisses challenge of Alberta’s public health orders

Dec 22, 2020 | 7:00 AM

CALGARY, AB – A Queen’s Bench justice has dismissed the injunction application against Alberta’s public health orders restricting public indoor and outdoor public gathers as well as mandatory mask wearing during a hearing Monday in Calgary.

Heights Baptist Church in Medicine Hat along with another Calgary-based church and several individuals filed for the injunction earlier this month claiming Alberta’s public health restrictions are unconstitutional.

Justice Anne Kirker found the case against the province has merit but ruled against the injunction on the basis that the possible damages of not having the health restrictions outweighed those of maintaining them based on the information presented at court.

Heights Baptist lawyer James Kitchen says he is disappointed in the decision but says it is Albertans who wish to celebrate Christmas who will pay the price for it.

“That’s frustrating and troubling and disappointing on multiple levels,” said Kitchen moments after the decision. “But most immediately felt by people that for no reason that makes any sense to them, can’t celebrate with their family or are going to do so unlawfully and that’s a terrible position to be in without any real logical, rational reason behind it.”

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Local History

Oliver's Funeral Home - 109 years of Service

Sep 04, 2024

The matter is not over, however.

A full hearing on the constitutionality of the province’s health restrictions will be heard in the new year.

The current restrictions in place in Alberta limit Christmas celebrations to individual households, restrict weddings and funerals to 10 people and prohibit outdoor gatherings.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced the stricter rules nearly two weeks ago to try to bring down stubbornly high COVID-19 cases and to ease pressure on hospitals.

(CHAT News Today)