THUNDER BAY – With less than a week before masks become mandatory in public indoor spaces, Thunder Bay’s political and public health leaders say residents shouldn’t expect a harsh enforcement regime.
Dr. Janet DeMille, who heads the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, has said it will fall to businesses to enforce the rule.
She acknowledged that puts a burden on local businesses, but said health units have no authority to sanction individuals for non-compliance
“I cannot target particular individuals,” she said, citing the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
The health unit can shut down businesses that don’t enforce the rule, but DeMille said that would be a last resort.
While he applauded DeMille’s decision to institute the mandatory mask order, Mayor Bill Mauro said enforcement of the rule is up to the health unit, not the city. Mauro had previously pushed for DeMille to consider the step.
The city had previously offered to support the health unit in enforcing the province’s emergency order requiring physical distancing with bylaw officers. Municipal leaders had not yet decided if they would offer similar assistance with the mandatory mask order, Mauro said Friday.
Thunder Bay police are hesitant to become involved in enforcing such public health orders, Mauro added.
Exemptions to the mandatory mask order may provide additional enforcement challenges. Those with certain medical and accessibility issues that make wearing a mask challenging are exempt from the order – but no proof of those conditions is required.
“It’s based on good faith, really,” DeMille has said.
The health unit’s mandatory masks order goes into force at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Children under two years of age, as well as those under five with developmental challenges who refuse to wear a mask, are also exempt.
