Cabinet minister awaits investigation results on unmasked grad at own church

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This article was published 30/05/2021 (1304 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon says she’s waiting for Manitoba Justice to investigate a recent event held at Springs Church — of which she is a member — before commenting further on whether or not it violated public health orders.

After the Free Press reported photos of a Springs College graduation ceremony — with up to 20 young people gathered indoors and not wearing masks — were circulating online, the Tory MLA for Southdale took to social media to denounce the flouting of pandemic rules.

“Like many Manitobans, I was very disappointed to learn of a graduation ceremony at Springs College (the Winnipeg church and college share facilities) that was held in clear violation of our public health orders,” Gordon said online, posted May 22.

“Anyone who chooses not to follow public health orders is disrespecting their family, their friends, their community and the front-line health-care workers who are doing everything in their power to care for those in need.”

At a news conference Monday, to announce funding for drug treatment centres, Gordon said she had not had any discussions with leadership at the Lagimodiere Boulevard church, of which, she said, she remains a member.

When asked why, as a cabinet minister in government, she hasn’t discussed her concerns with church officials, Gordon said she respects the investigation underway by Manitoba Justice, and will not get involved while it is ongoing.

“There is a process underway through the ministry and the department of justice to carry out a very comprehensive and thorough investigation of the Springs College graduation ceremony,” Gordon said. “I want to respect that process and allow the steps to unfold and a decision to come forward.”

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca