Image Credit: Twitter / @brentma99363117

By James Peters

Maxime Bernier

Bernier’s Friday rally in Kamloops was ‘peaceful and lawful’: RCMP

Apr 12, 2021 | 11:38 AM

KAMLOOPS — RCMP say they were called to a political rally in Kamloops Friday (Apr. 9), but found the event to be “peaceful and lawful.”

People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier travelled to Kamloops Friday as part of a campaign-style tour through the Thompson-Okanagan. Around the dinner hour, he spoke to supporters outside of De Muzio Ristorante at 152 Victoria Street.

WATCH: An excerpt from Bernier’s remarks Friday in Kamloops (Video Credit: Twitter / @brentma99363117)

In an email, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cst. Crystal Evelyn says police received a report of a large gathering in the 100-block of Victoria Street. The report termed the group “anti-mask protesters”

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Evelyn says responding officers deemed the gathering lawful.

She notes officers must balance education and enforcement in these circumstances.

“People in Canada have a democratic right to a lawful and peaceful protest and the RCMP must use discretion when balancing a citizen’s rights with the current potential health risks associated to large public gatherings,” said Evelyn in an email to CFJC Today. “Those involved in activities violating the provincial public health order may face fines, but the RCMP’s focus remains on educating and encouraging everyone to follow the measures set out by public health authorities first.”

After his stop in Kamloops, Bernier went on to Spruce Grove, Alberta, where he planned to express support for GraceLife Church, which has been charged with violating COVID-19 regulations.