Organizers of 'anti-lockdown' rodeo charged with breaking Alberta health act

The organizers of a rodeo held earlier this monthnear Bowden, Alta., to protest provincial COVID-19 restrictions havebeen summoned to make a court appearance for putting on the event.

Ty Northcott posted on his Facebook page Tuesday that officials served him papers on Monday for his role in May 1-2 event, which he dubbed "No more lockdowns rodeo rally."

RCMP confirmed to CBC News that Mounties on behalf of Alberta Health Servicesserved papers to Ty and Gail Northcottrequiring them to appear in Red Deer provincial court on May 17.

They were charged with a violation under Section 73(1) of the Public Health Act.

In a statement to CBC News, AHS said its officials worked with the Bowden Agriculture Society,Red Deer County and the OldsRCMP to confirm the rodeo event was in violation of orders issued by Alberta's chief medical officer of health.

So far, no cases of COVID-19 have arisen from the event.AHS noted thatsymptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure.

"In some cases, symptoms may be mild and individuals may not seek out COVID-19 testing. COVID-19 can also be spread asymptomatically, and an individual may not know they are spreading the virus," said AHS spokespersonKerry Williamson in the statement.

The "anti-lockdown" event held on private land along Highway 2A about 30 kilometres south of Red Deerdrew hundreds of spectators, most of whom were not wearing masks.

Rodeo draws harsh rebuke from premier

Attendees at the event told CBC News they believe the pandemic is a "scamdemic" and that COVID-19 is a "flu" that is not serious.

The rodeo drew a harsh rebuke from Premier Jason Kenney, who said he was angered by the participants' selfish behaviour.

"Rodeo celebrates Alberta's western heritage, a key part of which is our community spirit and looking out for others, especially the vulnerable," Kenney said.

"That's the opposite of what these folks are doing."

Robb Stuart, the mayor of Bowden,said those who flouted health restrictions at the rodeo outside his town should be held accountable.

WATCH | Alberta rodeo crowd defies public health orders:

Hundreds in Alberta defy public health orders as COVID-19 cases surge

3 years ago

Duration 3:22

Despite restrictions on gatherings in Alberta, hundreds defied the rules at protests and even a rodeo. Meanwhile, Premier Jason Kenney faces calls to take more action as he suspended the provincial legislature.

No furthercharges stemming from the rodeoare being considered at this time, said RCMP media liaison Kelly Chantelle.

As of Monday, Alberta had25,438active cases, giving itthe highest active-case rate, per capita, of all provinces and territories. The provincereported1,597 new COVID-19 caseson Mondayand sevenmore deaths from the illness.

There were690people in hospitalwith COVID-19, including158peoplein intensive care.