Springs Church graduation investigation over, evidence under review
The investigation into a maskless graduation allegedly held by Springs Church in Winnipeg is now over and officials are reviewing the evidence to determine whether there will be any charges.
Photos of the graduation started circulating online late in May and showed people without masks.
Justice Minister Cameron Friesen said the investigation is now complete.
"Now let me be clear. If rules were broken, charges will ensure. But people should be careful," said Friesen. "Investigations must take place to determine if rules were broken. Appearances can be deceiving. They sometimes say a picture's worth 1,000 words, but those pictures have to be investigated."
Pastor Leon Fontaine, who attended the event virtually, defended the graduation the next day, saying it was a closed set and that students weren't required to wear masks for their final picture.
Friesen said public health was in charge of the investigation and that evidence has been turned over to officials.
He said the officials will now determine if prosecution is needed.
Friesen said the majority of churches in Manitoba have followed the public health orders but there are a select few churches and followers who have defied the orders in place.
"In the challenges we have faced as a society in the past, the faith community was often stepping up, to make a difference," he said. "I am really impressed by the creativity of groups. Church groups, community groups, other groups, non-profit agencies who say, 'Okay, how can we help.'"
Friesen said more information will be released when it becomes available.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for "all parties" to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
Taylor Swift drops 15 new songs on double album, 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology'
On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album and at 2 a.m. Eastern, she released "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," featuring 15 additional songs.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.