An Amherst pastor has been fined over $2,400 after an event last month that violated public health rules and has been linked to three COVID-19 deaths and community spread in the Northern and Western Zones.
Robert Smith is pastor of the Gospel Light Baptist Church that hosted a gathering from October 25-29 where people were not told to provide proof of vaccination.
The province says Smith was given a summary offence ticket today, but Premier Tim Houston told reporters this afternoon he doesn’t think the fine is high enough.
Houston also says he can’t understand why Amherst Police have so far not taken any action in the case.
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang says he’s not ready to require COVID-19 proof of vaccination at regular weekly religious services in the province.
The opposition Liberals are calling for the requirement but Strang told reporters this afternoon there’s no sign of any significant spread from regular services.