'Unfortunate circumstance' as anti-vaccination mandate protest cancels outdoor throne speech ceremonies
CBC
The Saskatchewan government was forced to cancel a series of outdoor events meant to mark the new session of the legislative assembly due to unspecified "recent threats."
Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison said the decision to cancel a public event was not taken lightly.
Harrison believes it was the first time in Saskatchewan that an ceremony connected to a throne speech had to be cancelled.
Security officials felt it was best to cancel the event "for the safety of all involved," Harrison said.
Outside the legislative building protestors held signs with slogans such as "Coercion is not consent," "No vax passport" and "Anti mandate — not anti-vax."
They lined up outside the building early Wednesday afternoon and only left hours later.
Some could be heard chanting "Scott Moe, come on out" in a video posted to Twitter by the Canadian Press.
One of the speakers that addressed the crowd was MLA Nadine Wilson.
The former Saskatchewan Party MLA resigned from caucus last month after misrepresenting her vaccination status.
Wilson now sits as independent MLA and during the throne speech was seated far away from both the Opposition and government benches.
Premier Moe was scheduled to greet Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty — who is giving the government's throne speech indoors — outside the legislative assembly building at around 1:25 p.m. CST. The public had been invited to the event.
The inspection of a Canadian Forces Honour Guard, a 15-gun salute by 10th Field Regiment and a fly-past by 15 Wing Moose Jaw was also planned.
"In light of recent threats and on the advice of security officials, the outdoor portion of the planned ceremonies this afternoon with His Honour and Premier Moe has been cancelled," said a note from the government issued shortly after 1 p.m. CST.
Harrison called the scene outside "an unfortunate circumstance" and one that was concerning.
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