Chris Scott, operator of the Whistle Stop Café, speaks during a May 8 rally in the café's parking lot against measures taken by government and health authorities to help curb the spread of COVID-19. (The Canadian Press/Jason Franson)

By Sheldon Spackman

WHISTLE STOP CAFÉ

Central Alberta café owner sentenced for breaching public health orders

Oct 14, 2021 | 9:11 AM

MIRROR, AB – The owner of a central Alberta café convicted of breaching public health orders this spring has been sentenced to three days in jail satisfied by time already served, and sanctioned with a fine of $20,000.

Christopher Scott, owner and operator of the Whistle Stop Café near Mirror, AB, northeast of Red Deer, was also placed on probation for 18 months, with conditions to stay in Alberta until his fines are paid, keep the peace, be of good behaviour, obey all AHS public health orders relating to COVID-19, and provide 120 hours of community service of not less than 10 hours per month.

He must also place the scientific community’s claims regarding COVID-19 on the record whenever he is publicly opposing AHS public health orders, including on social media forums.

Scott was also ordered to pay costs of $10,922.75 to Alberta Health Services (AHS) by Justice Adam Germain on Wednesday. Germain said further jail time for Scott would only serve to martyr him in the eyes of his followers, and suggested there were more effective ways for him to make reparations for his breach of public health orders on May 8 of this year.

That’s when Scott organized, promoted, and attended an illegal public gathering outside his business near Mirror where hundreds took part in a rally in defiance of public health orders in place at the time.

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Conditions relating to the payment of Scott’s fines include being subject to an interest rate of three per cent per annum, compounded semi-annually starting Jan. 1, 2022. In addition, AHS and the provincial treasurer may file a lien charge and encumbrance on the assets owned by Scott to secure payment of his fines. Payments are to begin Nov. 1.

Justice Germain also outlined a priority scheme for Scott’s 36-month payment schedule, with interest to be paid first, AHS costs to be paid second, and his fine amount to be paid third. Should Scott elect not to pay his fines, Justice Germain indicated the possibility of prison time being revisited.