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Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, Kaycee Madu
By Liam Verster
Tougher Enforcement, Madu says

Multi-agency partnership acting under new protocol tasked with enforcing Public Health Act

May 5, 2021 | 1:04 PM

Alberta is cracking down on those who violate the Public Health Act, especially in the case of repeat offenders, through a new multi-agency collaboration operating under a new protocol.

The new protocol brings together local police and law enforcement, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis, Alberta Prosecution Services, and Occupational Health and Safety to work together and respond to cases of people or businesses violating the COVID-19 regulations and public health orders.

Kaycee Madu, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, says the vast majority of Albertans have accepted the personal sacrifices involved in complying with the public health guidelines. However, many others have not, and in doing so are creating a threat to public health and are putting the health system at risk of being overwhelmed.

In order to address those acting in defiance of the Public Health Act, the province has doubled the minimum fine to $2,000.

However, Madu says fines alone will not stop all acts of non-compliance, and this new protocol will allow for law enforcement to target cases of non-compliance more effectively and efficiently.

“Whether an individual, an organization or a business is the culprit, this protocol will be used to coordinate a multi-agency response to repeat offenders.”

Representatives from the agencies will work hand-in-hand to coordinate plans, review cases, and address the particular circumstances of each case. Some of those cases may result in further investigations leading to additional charges, while other cases could see the culprits fined or have their business license revoked.

“By sharing information and discussing enforcement actions this way, on top of doubling the fines, the public health orders will be enforced more effectively and consistently than before.”

Madu adds that, though they will be working together, each agency will be operating under its own mandate and within the scope of its existing powers.

Madu says the Order in Council will be passed as soon as possible in order to establish this protocol, adding that “enforcement will be done, and Albertans will see that it’s being done.”

by Liam Verster