March to Unmask Medicine Hat launches protest against Indigo bookstores

“Medical exemption is big if you want to wear a mask that’s good. Some places require it, doctor’s offices, and stuff. When somebody says to you, you can’t come into a business because you can’t wear a mask, that goes against your Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that’s just not acceptable,” he said.

“Some people can’t wear a mask, and you say they can’t shop in a store, that’s discrimination,” he added.

Other videos have been posted on social media showing people being denied entry to their stores because they would not wear a mask.

Campbell said, the company’s mask policy not only discriminates but puts employees at the store in a difficult position.

“They are not the police. They are not security, they are just average workers. If I go in there and say I am medically exempt and they say ‘ no sir you can’t shop in the store and if I get agitated or irritated they don’t have any recourse except afterwards call police or security, which puts them at risk and puts them at danger,”’he said.

In a statement, Indigo the company that owns Chapters and Coles said they are doing all they can to keep customers and employees safe.

“We have leading health and safety protocols in place and are committed to following the guidance from local public health authorities and meeting or exceeding provincial or municipal requirements across Canada. To ensure the safest shopping experience possible, we have mandated masks for all of our customers and employees in-store,”

The company added that they continue to provide accommodations for customers who can’t wear masks through online shopping, and curbside pick-up.

Campbell admitted in the interview with CHAT NEWS that he does not have an official medical exemption, as he is waiting to see his doctor. Instead, he uses unofficial medical exemption cards that are downloadable on the internet.

“ Basically I call them bully cards. So many people are getting bullied for not wearing masks if you just flip them that (the card) that usually stops it so that’s why I call them bully cards.” he said

The unoffical medical exemption cards Campbell uses. Alberta Health says it is the municipality’s jurisdiction to determine what is considered a medical exemption ( Tffany Goodwein/CHATNEWSToday)

CHAT News reached out to Alberta Health to see what constitutes an official medical exemption, and Alberta Health said that falls under the municipality’s jurisdiction.

“Exemptions and enforcement of any mandatory mask bylaw are under the authority of those municipalities if they have such a bylaw in place. Generally, Albertans are encouraged to wear non-medical masks in all public places or if they have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19,” said Zoe Cooper, spokesperson for Alberta Health.

The City of Medicine Hat does not have a mandatory mask bylaw. CHAT News has reached out to the city for comment.

Similar protests against Indigo stores and their mask policy were held in cities across the province.

by Tiffany Goodwein

March to Unmask Medicine Hat launches protest against Indigo bookstores

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