The couple who were charged following an anti-lockdown rodeo just outside of Bowden say they have pleaded not guilty.
Ty Northcott and his wife Gail were served a summons on May 10 for a violation under Section 73(1) of the Public Health Act. The pair’s first appearance in Red Deer provincial court was set for last Monday.
The Northcotts did not appear in court, where health restrictions are limiting any in-person appearances except in the more serious matters involving people in custody.
Northcott confirmed their not guilty pleas on the Facebook page for their company, Northcott Rodeo Inc., on Monday morning.
“So now we wait for the Crown to produce some evidence as to what their case is about. Next court date is June 21, bring it on!” the post says.
Northcott said they have been getting death threats and hate mail but he makes it clear that he intends to continue to fight the government.
“Yes there has been some tears through all this, but they are tears of frustration and stress, not fear. If we had fear of what we were getting into we wouldn’t have took this journey.
“I believe every day there are more and more people waking up as to what is going on and realizing what we have set out to do in this quest.”
Northcott thanks those who showed their concern and support. Those wishing to help financially with future rodeo rallies or to help them with legal fees are directed to their website.
“We are moving forward on some more rallies as I speak.”
According to a police news release, the investigation was conducted in cooperation with Alberta Health Services’ Inspectors and Olds RCMP.
The “No More Lockdowns Rodeo Rally” took place on private land just outside of Bowden on May 1-2 and hundreds of spectators attended the event, defying public health measures.
Premier Jason Kenney strongly condemned those in attendance in the days after the event.