Ontario’s Solicitor General Sylvia Jones is now backtracking on the policing powers they announced just yesterday following criticism from advocacy groups, mayors and a growing number of police services. The Ford Government now says that police officers may ask for information *only if they suspect* you are participating in an organized public event or social gathering. They will not conduct random stops. Under the new rules only those in your household can gather outside. If you are single you can join one other household.
The province provided this statement:
“We have refocused O.Reg 8/21 Enforcement of COVID-19 Measures: If a police officer or other provincial offences officer has reason to suspect that you are participating in an organized public event or social gathering, they may require you to provide information to ensure you are complying with restrictions. Every individual who is required to provide a police officer or other provincial offences officer with information shall promptly comply.
As outlined in O.Reg 82/20 Rules for Areas in Stage 1, with limited exceptions, indoor social gatherings / public events are prohibited, and outdoor social gatherings / public events are limited to five (5) people – limited to members of your own household and one other person who lives alone.”
The news comes as top cops like Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner and Hamilton’s Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati said their officers wouldn’t enforce the province’s original measures to do random checks. Dale Manucdoc has reaction tonight.
For more information on border restrictions with Manitoba and Quebec please see this link that lists prohibited reasons to come into Ontario: https://files.
