Witness Testimony

Chief Greg Burke, a financial advisor and former nursing trainee, testified regarding two separate incidents in early 2022 involving enforcement of COVID-19 mask mandates while he was undergoing chemotherapy treatment and taking blood thinners following cancer surgery.
He described a February 9, 2022 incident at a Canadian Tire store in Bedford, Nova Scotia, where he entered without a mask, stated he had an exemption, and requested to speak with a manager after being refused service. He testified that the store owner confronted him, demanded he leave, and physically grabbed him during the exchange. Burke stated that he defended himself and called 911 to report assault. When police arrived, he testified that they declined to lay assault charges but issued him a $2,422 fine for failing to wear a mask. He further stated that he was not asked about his claimed exemption and that the ticket was issued after the officer consulted updated regulations.
He then described a March 9, 2022 incident at an A&W restaurant where he was again refused service without a mask. Following an argument with staff and police arrival, he testified that an RCMP officer physically grabbed him without first advising him he was under arrest. He stated he was handcuffed behind his back and placed in a police vehicle. He testified that he was told he was being charged with “creating a disturbance,” though no such charge ultimately proceeded. He stated he was issued another $2,422 mask-related ticket and served a six-month property ban notice. He also testified that the RCMP officers were not wearing masks at the time.
Burke stated that he filed formal complaints to RCMP authorities in Ottawa regarding both officers, and testified that internal review processes had identified multiple alleged policy violations. He attributed the confrontational responses he experienced to public fear and political messaging during the pandemic, which he described as manipulative and legally inconsistent with constitutional protections.