Witness Testimony

Tobias Tissen testified that his Steinbach congregation of approximately 160 members was subject to progressively tightening capacity limits in 2020, eventually reduced to 10 individuals or fewer. He described the emotional impact of being unable to hold a traditional funeral for his father in April 2020 due to gathering restrictions, resulting in a parking lot service monitored by RCMP. He stated that churches were heavily monitored while large retail stores remained open, creating what he viewed as unequal treatment.
On November 29, 2020, he participated in organizing a drive-in church service after indoor gatherings were prohibited. He testified that RCMP and a tow truck blocked the church entrance prior to the service, preventing vehicles from entering. He delivered a sermon from a pickup truck near the roadway while congregants remained in their vehicles. The church was fined $5,000 and he personally received a $1,296 ticket. He reported receiving numerous additional tickets for continued participation in worship gatherings.
Tissen testified that he was arrested on October 18, 2021, after a warrant had been outstanding for several months, and was detained for approximately 45 hours, including time in remand with limited cell access. He initially refused bail conditions that prohibited him from attending church and secured amendments before release. He stated that his children witnessed police visits and his arrest, resulting in ongoing trauma. He further testified that a Charter challenge brought by churches was unsuccessful in court and concluded that government response should have involved consultation and common-sense accommodation rather than enforcement-focused restrictions.