Waterloo-area church officials charged for violating lockdown orders
Posted January 27, 2021 6:12 pm.
Last Updated January 27, 2021 6:29 pm.
Six people have been charged including the pastor of a Waterloo-area church who went ahead with Sunday services in defiance of provincial lockdown rules.
Regional officials in Waterloo have charged six elders including Pastor Jacob Reaume of Trinity Bible Chapel for violating provisions of the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) when it comes to large gatherings.
The Trinity Bible Chapel corporation was also charged.
Individuals charged under the act face a minimum $10,000 fine and a maximum $100,000 if convicted. Corporations can be fined up to $10 million.
A steady stream of cars was seen arriving at the church in Woolwich last weekend despite an order from the Superior Court of Justice, compelling the church to obey the ROA or possibly be held in contempt of court.
A photo from inside the service was tweeted from the account of MPP Randy Hillier, who sits as an independent in the legislature and has been a vocal critic of the Ford government’s lockdown.
A statement released by region officials said the church has agreed not to hold further indoor religious services while the charges are before the courts.
Files from 570 NEWS were used in this report
