In response to a small portion of the general population refusing to adhere to steps aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, the province has announced tough new enforcement rules and penalties.
The fact that such measures are needed is not entirely surprising judging from past experience where some people have chosen to do their own thing in the face of public condemnation of their actions.
One good example of that is drunk driving, where, according to Statistics Canada, an average of 1,500 people die in impaired-related crashes every year in this country.
Calls for social distancing and self-isolation have been made with one goal in mind: to protect the public and end the pandemic with as little harm as possible.
Premier Jason Kenney is spot-on when he says the safety of the public must take priority over the reckless activities of some individuals.
“We must do everything we can to protect Albertans through this pandemic,” said Kenney. “Self-isolation orders are not suggestions or guidelines, they are now the law and they must be followed.”
The stepped-up enforcement rules include amendments to the Provincial Offences Procedures Act which will allow peace officers and police to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders, including rules regarding the number of people allowed at public gatherings.
Fines for first-time violations start at $1,000. As well, courts now have increased power to administer fines of up to $100,000 for first offences, fines that can increase to $500,000 for subsequent offences.
“The chief medical officer of health has the full cooperation of community peace officers and local policing to ensure Albertans comply with orders,” said Minister of Justice Doug Schweitzer.
The province is right to institute new enforcement rules and penalties, both for the safety of individuals and for the security of the community at large.
Hopefully, all residents will adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures going forward because it is the right thing to do – and that the new penalties will not be needed.
Dan Singleton is an editor with The Albertan.
