Province to ‘clarify’ expanded police powers for COVID-19 checks; Hamilton mayor calls police stops ‘very problematic’
Following a chorus of statements from local police forces denouncing the use of expanded authorities for random stops, the province is now poised to issue a clarification" about the rules.
Effective Saturday, police officers and provincial offences officers are authorized to stop vehicles and pedestrians, and request a reason for leaving their home - as a health intervention to curb the accelerating spread of COVID-19 - under the stay-at-home order.
Premier Doug Ford also walked back restrictions on using playgrounds, but gatherings outside will still be enforced," he said in a tweet.
A government source told The Canadian Press on Saturday that the government would soon be providing a clarification on the scope and applicability" of the police powers, which were apparently intended to target large social gatherings.
It is unclear how the update about group gatherings reconciles with the government's previous statement about police powers to stop vehicles for COVID-19 checks.
As a government it is our responsibility to take action to address non-compliance," said Solicitor General Syliva Jones at Friday's announcement. That is why, after consulting with public health experts, we have made the deliberate decision to temporarily enhance police officers' authority for the duration of the stay-at-home order."
She went on to describe that this authority is to require any individual" not in a place of residence to explain why they are not at home, and provide a home address, and to stop vehicles for the same purpose. Jones continued to stress" that Ontarians should limit their trips outside of the home."
The violations could come with a $750 fine or police charges.
Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger and several of the city's neighbouring police forces issued statements on social media against the move.
Police forces including Waterloo Region, Peel Region, Halton, Guleph, Toronto, Halton and Ottawa indicated they would not be randomly stopping vehicles during the pandemic. Several cited that they would maintain an engage, explain, educate, enforce" approach, and that the only exception to random stops would be for RIDE checks.
Eisenberger took to Twitter on Saturday morning to criticize the province's move. Police stops as described are very problematic and not something I will support. This lends itself to another round of carding that I was happy to ban in (Hamilton) and was subsequently banned in the province," he said.
In another tweet, he said that local public health, police and bylaw will discuss the approach with the Emergency Operations Centre leadership team.
Hamilton Police issued a statement on Saturday morning that it would be reviewing the new regulations before changing their enforcement strategy, and said the public can expect updates on how it would implement the orders.
The service did not go so far as to say it would not be enforcing it as described by the province.
With files from The Canadian Press
Vjosa Isai is a reporter at The Spectator covering Hamilton-based business. Reach her via email: visai@thespec.com.