Read on Twitter
The anti-mask rally is underway in Steinbach. Organizers start by telling people to follow health orders. RCMP are on site speaking with those in attendance. More to come. @ctvwinnipeg
Organizers say they are not ‘anti-maskers’ but rather for freedom. They tell people to protect themselves from by-law officers on site. They tell people to show respect. @ctvwinnipeg
Organizers say ‘the media is the worst virus of them all’ @ctvwinnipeg
Not all in attendance are in support of the rally. This person has decorated their car with a message to wear a mask. She says RCMP on site asked her to leave. @ctvwinnipeg
People at the rally are honking their vehicle horns as organizers prepare to start. @TouriaIzri is here with more details of the rally in Steinbach. More to come. @ctvwinnipeg
Organizers are handing out mask exemption cards. They are encouraging people to fill them out if by-law officers try to ticket them. @ctvwinnipeg
Organizers are collecting donations from people at the rally for local food banks here in Steinbach. ‘Give to the world and the world gives back’ they tell me. @ctvwinnipeg
I count at least eight Manitoba Justice by-law enforcement officers at the rally. As far as we can tell, no tickets have been handed out. @ctvwinnipeg
A speaker at the event calls the by-law officers ‘Pharisees’ which is met by applaud and a slew of car horn honks. Organizers follow the announcement by playing the song ‘Amazing Grace’ @ctvwinnipeg
RCMP have blocked the entrance. An officer on scene tells me it’s because he ‘doesn’t want anybody to get run over.’ @ctvwinnipeg
A pastor speaking at the event says if health orders close the church then they are against God. Says if churches close so should liquor marts. Calls on people to rise up @ctvwinnipeg
Speeches have been met with cheers and applaud. A shot from the crowd at the rally in Steinbach. @ctvwinnipeg
Former chiropractor speaking at the event blames ‘mainstream media’ for spreading public health ‘propaganda.’ He is speaking against masks, saying they are ‘against science.’ @ctvwinnipeg
Less than three kilometres from the rally is the Bethesda Regional Health Centre where a major COVID outbreak is ongoing. In the City of Steinbach there are currently 263 active cases and 14 deaths caused by COVID-19 according to provincial data. @ctvwinnipeg
The elected Reeve of the RM La Broquerie is now speaking. Tells people to respect everyone. Says he is acting alone and was not sent by council. Thanks nurses and doctors. Tells people to question things and educate themselves. “What is the truth?” He asks the crowd. @ctvwinnipeg
Organizers estimate there are about 500 people in attendance at the Steinbach rally. Current health orders limit gathering sizes to five people or less. @ctvwinnipeg
