Police say there were no violations when political leader Maxime Bernier held a public event in downtown Kamloops last week.

Const. Crystal Evelyn says reports came in at 5:45 p.m. on Friday night, when a crowd of about 50 people was seen at Di Muzio Ristorante.

“Kamloops RCMP did receive a report of a large gathering of the anti-mask protesters, in front of an address on the 100-block of Victoria Street. Police attended and assessed the situation, which was deemed to be peaceful and lawful,” Evelyn says.

“One of the things us, as RCMP, have to be aware of, and respectful of as well, is that people in Canada do have a right to a lawful and peaceful protest. So it’s important for RCMP to use, and we have been, using discretion when balancing a citizen’s right with the current potentially health risk to large gatherings.”

Evelyn says those involved in activities that go against public health orders could be fined, but she says the focus remains on educating people about current restrictions.

She says in this case, police called organizers of Bernier’s event and encouraged attendees to adhere to public health guidelines.

“There might be more conversations or there might be more punitive measures taken. But in this case, police did attend, assess the situation and it was deemed to be peaceful and lawful.”

Bernier, who lives in Quebec, did a political tour of the southern Interior over the weekend, and he spent Friday night in Kamloops.  Many people were seen on a patio at Di Muzio while Bernier spoke to supporters.

Bernier is the leader of the People’s Party of Canada, which ran candidates in all 338 ridings in the most recent federal election in 2019, but did win any seats.

(Photo: Twitter: BrentMa99363117)