2021-05-26

No charges resulting from Bridgewater ‘freedom rally’

The Bridgewater Police Service is not filing any charges against participants of an April 24 "freedom rally" that saw dozens of people gather in close proximity without face coverings at a west side town-owned park.

During the same week that law enforcement started investigating the incident, the municipal police department received guidance from Nova Scotia Public Health and Department of Justice officials indicating differences between demonstrations and social gatherings.

One may have Charter protection, while the other, under health protection rules, would not. Danny MacPhee, Bridgewater's deputy police chief, said the advice at the time suggested the distinction meant enforcing Health Protection Act would be problematic.

"We're not proceeding with any further investigation or laying any charges because of the recommendations at the time the injunction wasn't in place," MacPhee told LighthouseNOW during a telephone conversation.

"We're going to conclude our file and go from there," he later added.

On May 14, the province went to Nova Scotia Supreme Court and successfully sought an injunction - or judicial order - to block future health restriction-related protests in the province. Government officials wanted the measure in place to prevent further transmission of COVID-19, ensure the continued functioning of the health-care system and limit the amount of future deaths due to the virus.

The move complicates the ability of future "freedom rallies" to take place and gives authorities the power to impose punishment on those who contravene the higher court's order.

Back on April 24, Bridgewater's Shipyard's Landing park was the site of the rally organized by disputers of mask mandates, pandemic-linked science and associated public messaging from government. The purpose of the event surrounded concerns about public health restriction impacts on businesses, individuals and places of worship. They also wanted to call attention to pressures and stress government-imposed thresholds and limits have had on children and seniors.

It was the second demonstration and march in Bridgewater in a period of weeks. The other protest took place March 27.

Two days after the April 24 protest, the Bridgewater Police Service announced it was investigating the matter and confirming - in response to a contrasting message on social media - it was not in support of, nor offered encouragement for, such events.

MacPhee told LighthouseNOW it has been a learning curve and a struggle to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing rules.

"For so many other offences, we'd be building up case law on it [but] it's happening so fast we're not building up any case law," he noted.

"We're adapting in the moment ..."