The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) say they’re looking into a holiday gathering hosted by MPP Randy Hillier that contravened provincial guidelines, reported the Perth Courier..“The OPP is aware of the social media post. We, along with the local health unit, are looking into it at this point,” OPP East Region media relations coordinator Bill Dickson was quoted as saying..The investigation results from a December 27 post by Hillier on his Twitter account, flaunting a Christmas gathering with 15 people. The post included a photo showing Hillier, Independent MPP Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, seated at the head of a table, surrounded by fellow celebrants..Hillier added the message: “The lies and deceptions of covid (sic) are over. How & (sic) why so many allowed themselves to be deceived will take years to to (sic) uncover, but I and many other Canadians will not accept the deception any longer. We are free and will defend our freedom.”.He also wrote: “I will always remain free, it is my life to enjoy not at the whim or discretion of others (sic), it is my home to welcome those I choose (sic). Never will the government determine who I can welcome into MY home, it is mine not theirs.”.The Hillier gathering took place one day following the Ontario provincial shutdown imposed on December 26 which limit the size of indoor social gatherings to residents only..LGLDHU have confirmed they are following up on complaints regarding the Hillier gathering..“Our experience is that social gatherings do lead to other people being infected,” said Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health is reported in the Courier as saying..“This affects each person that will go out to their workplaces or schools and daycare centres. The LGLDHU follows up on complaints that violate the requirements. We have been aware of Randy Hillier’s post and gathering.”.In a Facebook post on December 30 LGLDHU said all Leeds, Grenville and Lanark residents have a responsibility to help reduce COVID-19. It noted that people in contravention could face a fine of $750..Hillier’s photo has garnered support from some of his constituents, who posted pictures of their own holiday celebrations in response, said the Courier..Municipal leaders in Hillier’s home county of Lanark have criticized his actions..Carleton Place Mayor Doug Black said he doesn’t understand the rationale behind the gatherings..“I sincerely hope these actions do not have consequences in 10-14 days to themselves, their families or the public,” he said..Hillier will appear in court January 7 on charges under the Reopening Ontario Act, related to an anti-lockdown protest he held at Queen’s Park on Nov. 26..Ken Grafton is the Western Standards Ottawa Bureau Chief. He can be reached at kgrafton@westernstandardonline.com
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) say they’re looking into a holiday gathering hosted by MPP Randy Hillier that contravened provincial guidelines, reported the Perth Courier..“The OPP is aware of the social media post. We, along with the local health unit, are looking into it at this point,” OPP East Region media relations coordinator Bill Dickson was quoted as saying..The investigation results from a December 27 post by Hillier on his Twitter account, flaunting a Christmas gathering with 15 people. The post included a photo showing Hillier, Independent MPP Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, seated at the head of a table, surrounded by fellow celebrants..Hillier added the message: “The lies and deceptions of covid (sic) are over. How & (sic) why so many allowed themselves to be deceived will take years to to (sic) uncover, but I and many other Canadians will not accept the deception any longer. We are free and will defend our freedom.”.He also wrote: “I will always remain free, it is my life to enjoy not at the whim or discretion of others (sic), it is my home to welcome those I choose (sic). Never will the government determine who I can welcome into MY home, it is mine not theirs.”.The Hillier gathering took place one day following the Ontario provincial shutdown imposed on December 26 which limit the size of indoor social gatherings to residents only..LGLDHU have confirmed they are following up on complaints regarding the Hillier gathering..“Our experience is that social gatherings do lead to other people being infected,” said Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health is reported in the Courier as saying..“This affects each person that will go out to their workplaces or schools and daycare centres. The LGLDHU follows up on complaints that violate the requirements. We have been aware of Randy Hillier’s post and gathering.”.In a Facebook post on December 30 LGLDHU said all Leeds, Grenville and Lanark residents have a responsibility to help reduce COVID-19. It noted that people in contravention could face a fine of $750..Hillier’s photo has garnered support from some of his constituents, who posted pictures of their own holiday celebrations in response, said the Courier..Municipal leaders in Hillier’s home county of Lanark have criticized his actions..Carleton Place Mayor Doug Black said he doesn’t understand the rationale behind the gatherings..“I sincerely hope these actions do not have consequences in 10-14 days to themselves, their families or the public,” he said..Hillier will appear in court January 7 on charges under the Reopening Ontario Act, related to an anti-lockdown protest he held at Queen’s Park on Nov. 26..Ken Grafton is the Western Standards Ottawa Bureau Chief. He can be reached at kgrafton@westernstandardonline.com
