The @yukon_news has decided to name the two individuals who have been charged with breaking self-isolation to get the Moderna vaccine in Beaver Creek. CBC North and @xjackiehong broke the first story on Friday. https://www.yukon-news.com/news/former-ceo-of-great-canadian-gaming-actress-charged-after-flying-to-beaver-creek-for-covid-19-vaccine/

Husband and wife Rodney Baker, 55, and Ekaterina Baker, 32, were ticketed and charged in Whitehorse on Jan. 21, 2021. They can still challenge the charges and plead non-guilty, not been proven in court.

I spent the better part of the weekend confirming their identities after getting copies of the CEMA tickets late on Friday. On Saturday, Ekaterina's Instagram was completely public. When I reached out, she blocked me and later deleted the account.

Yesterday I reached out to Great Canadian Gaming Corporation for comment from CEO Rod Baker. This morning, the company announced he had resigned. https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/great-canadian-gaming-ceo-rod-baker-resigns-from-company-1.1553525

Great Canadian is a publically traded entertainment and hospitality company. Last year CEO Rod Baker's total compensation was over $10 million. This is the same company that is currently part of an investigation into money laundering at a Richmond casino. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-bc-money-laundering-commission-resumes-hearings/

The story is salacious, but I just want to reiterate why the community of Beaver Creek is so upset. I spoke to a member of White River First Nation yesterday who has elderly parents. She said as a border town, they have been dealing with COVID-19 issues for months.

They are a small place (around 100 people) with no easy access to hospitals and healthcare. Some FB commenters have asked how an outsider slipped through. But there are many transient workers, so they wouldn't necessarily know everyone showing up for the vaccine.

Right now they face two fines of $500 each, plus a $75 surcharge on each fine. That means $1,150 each. RCMP is also investigating. There is potential for up to 6 months of jail time under the Civil Emergency Measures Act.

The Yukon currently has closed borders in order to prevent COVID-19 spread. We once shared a bubble with BC, but that ended in November. Everyone entering the territory from outside must now sign a legal document promising to quarantine for 14 days.

Ekaterina Baker’s Instagram was filled with posts about staying home, quarantining and keeping communities safe. I worry it feels vindictive, rather than journalistic to share this, but it suggests the Bakers knew the implications of their actions.