Witness Testimony

Marjaleena Repo testified that early in the pandemic she opposed municipal masking requirements, particularly on public buses, due to her COPD and hearing impairment. She made a presentation to Saskatoon City Council outlining perceived health risks and communication barriers associated with masking but stated that the bylaw passed unanimously without discussion. After receiving a medical mask exemption from her physician, she reported that it was frequently disregarded in public spaces, including buses and retail establishments, leading to restricted mobility and social isolation.
During this period, Repo experienced severe pain and was subsequently diagnosed with stage four breast cancer with bone metastases. She described distressing experiences in healthcare settings where masking policies caused breathing difficulty, elevated blood pressure, and communication challenges. She stated that at the cancer centre she was told she would not receive radiation treatment unless masked and characterized the overall clinical environment as dehumanizing and threatening.
Repo also recounted a café incident where she was refused service without a mask and later faced significant online harassment after a local radio host shared her social media post about the experience. She pursued legal action seeking an apology and retraction but stated that her lawyer withdrew representation. She further described complaints to human rights authorities and the ombudsman as unsuccessful. Repo concluded that the cumulative effect of mandates and public reactions eroded her trust in institutions and contributed to ongoing emotional distress while managing her cancer treatment.