More than $500K owing for COVID ticket fines in Sask.

Of the 885 charges brought under the province’s health law, 257 resulted in a conviction. So far, fines totaling $120,460 have been levied.

Masks have become a ubiquitous symbol of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo was taken on Monday May 17, 2021 in Saskatoon, SK. Photo by Matt Smith /Saskatoon Star Phoenix

More than half a million dollars in fines for COVID-19 violations in Saskatchewan remain unpaid, new data from the Saskatchewan Department of Justice shows.

As of November 30, $535,478 in fines and penalties from the province’s Public Health Act convictions for violating public health orders issued during the pandemic were outstanding. A total of 885 charges were filed under the law.

All public orders ended at midnight on February 27, but the charges brought while the restrictions were in place continued to work their way through the justice system.

By the end of November, 257 charges had resulted in a conviction. Fines were recovered in full from 48 convictions and partially from 13 convictions, for a total of $120,460.

Fines were voluntarily paid for six of the charges brought before the court.

The ministry said unpaid fines could be sent to the Canadian Revenue Agency or a collection agency if not paid within 91 days of the payment deadline.

Another 322 charges are awaiting a court date and decision, while another 306 have either been withdrawn, were void or lost jurisdiction.

Public health orders were issued early in Saskatchewan during the pandemic. The orders, aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, included restrictions on gathering sizes and the requirement that masks be worn in public spaces.

These restrictions were lifted in July 2021, but a new health regulation came into effect in September 2021. The new regulation included a mask requirement. Additional requirements to demonstrate vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to access certain venues followed.

None of the health regulations are currently in force.

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