Police officers and other officials in the small town of Kenly have submitted mass-resignation letters citing stress, a hostile work environment and an inability to continue the department's long-term betterment projects.
Police leadership and active duty officers were joined in their resignation by other officials.
"I have truly enjoyed working for The Town the last four years. Due to the current situations and the stress in the work area lately, my main concern is my health, and right now I need to focus on my wellbeing. The work area is very hostile and I will not let myself be around that kind of atmosphere," wrote Christy Thomas, utility clerk for the town of Kenly.
Some outgoing government employees kept their messages curt and to the point — including Town Clerk Sharon Evans.
"I will be retiring sooner than I had planned. This is my two weeks notice as of today. I can no longer work under the stress," wrote Evans.
"We are not allowed to say we don't have room. We're not allowed to say that. 'Right to shelter' means we have to keep expanding and be creative in our expansion. That means if we have to get hotel rooms, we get hotel rooms. If that means that we have to find other spaces, we'll find other spaces. There's no such thing as this state saying, 'We're turning you away.' We're going to have to keep expanding based on the needs, and we're going to have to keep finding the funding based on the needs."He added that his administration has been "in constant contact" with the White House over the issue of money.
Alberta appeals court panel of Justice Barbara Lea Veldhuis, Justice Michelle Crighton and Justice Jo' Anne Strekaf ordered Alberta Health Services to reimburse Artur Pawlowski and his brother, Dawid, for the costs of their appeal and the return of any fines and penalties paid. The appeals panel concluded the original injunction banning protests in the name of public health "was not sufficiently clear and unambiguous"
The appeals panel also reduced the penalties of restaurant owner Chris Scott to time served and penalties already paid.
The judgement released Friday morning read:"The Pawlowskis' appeals are allowed. The finding of contempt and the sanction order are set aside. The fines that have been paid by them are to be reimbursed. "Calgary pastor Art Pawlowski and his brother, Dawid, were both arrested and imprisoned after being found in contempt of an ex-parte court order obtained by Alberta Health Services restraining "illegal public gatherings."
The chambers judge awarded costs to AHS payable by the Pawlowskis jointly in the amount of $15,733.50, calculated at 2.5 times column 1. That costs award is set aside and the Pawlowskis are awarded their costs payable by AHS in the proceedings below and in this Court calculated on the same basis"
The original finding of contempt by Justice Adam Germain included a sanction that required the Pawlowkis and Chris Scott, the owner of the Whistlestop Cafe in Mirror Alberta, also named in the first restraining order to denounce themselves and their views on covid before expressing their own opinions publicly:I am also aware that the views I am expressing to you on this occasion may not be views held by the majority of medical experts in Alberta. While I may disagree with them, I am obliged to inform you that the majority of medical experts favour social distancing, mask wearing, and avoiding large crowds to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Most medical experts also support participation in a vaccination program unless for a valid religious or medical reason you cannot be vaccinated. Vaccinations have been shown statistically to save lives and to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.This sanction, along with one that limited the mobility of Scott and the Pawlowskis was never asked for by AHS and was previously stayed.
Scott's sentence for contempt of the same court order related to a large-scale demonstration he held after his small town diner, gas station, convenience store and campground was seized by the province after refused to close his doors to meet covid regulations. His was reduced in Friday's ruling to the penalties he has already served or completed:A sentence of three days in prison, which is deemed fully satisfied and served; A fine of $10,000, less credit for all amounts paid by the appellant to date, which may be paid at the rate of $500/month, failing which payments shall immediately become due and payable in its entirety; and Probation for a period of approximately 8 months to the date of this order on the terms prescribed by the chambers judge, which is deemed fully satisfied.These victories in the name of religious freedom, the right to protest and free expression were only made possible through your generous crowdfunded donations to www.SaveArtur.com. The legal bill to fight the endless government resources is enormous, but we think every penny spent in the name of freedom is worth it.
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Read the full decision, here.
Comment: It's a pretty obvious smear tactic that we've seen many times before. Unfortunately, it's a smear that works on the relatively gullible. How many Canadians believe the Trucker Convoy was made up of racists, misogynists and nazis?