City Hall demonstrators -- LNN

By Dori Modney and Connor Gunn

Anti-mask group “storms” Lethbridge City Council Chambers

Sep 8, 2020 | 2:20 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — A No masks and No social distancing group took their demonstration to outside City Hall Tuesday (Sep 8) afternoon.

About 60 to 80 ‘un-masked’ people turned up outside. However, it wasn’t long before they, according to Councillor Rob Miyashiro, “entered the building, and then stormed Council Chambers and started chanting.”

Twitter comment from Councillor Miyashiro

Councillor Miyashiro Twitter comment on demonstrators

Twitter comment from Rob Miayshiro

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Lee Mein, the group spokesperson for ‘Albertans against Mandatory Masks,’ told LNN they were there to protest the city’s temporary, mandatory face-covering bylaw.

Mein says the pandemic isn’t as serious as science suggests.

“Look at the numbers, the science on it, if you look at the actual numbers that are out there, this is not a pandemic.”

According to Mein, there is no scientific evidence to have a reason to wear a mask.

“Wearing masks it interferes with society, we don’t approach people the same way, people are hidden, we don’t get to see their expressions, there’s not a connection with people, and we need that in a community.” Says Mein about the physical connection through the pandemic.

Some Councillors and Mayor Spearman left the Council Chambers, as the protesters filled the gallery.

The protesters did not have a permit to gather for their demonstration and eventually vacated Council Chambers when told to leave.

Mayor Chris Spearman says the protestors will not be charged as they do not want to enforce but will look to “educate.”