Witness Testimony

Michele Tournier testified that her family has been involved in professional chuckwagon racing for approximately 35 years and that it had become their primary source of income. She explained that the complete cancellation of public events in 2020, including the Calgary Stampede, resulted in a total loss of seasonal income while ongoing costs to maintain approximately 55 thoroughbred horses remained. In 2021, racing partially resumed on a reduced circuit, but earnings were significantly diminished compared to prior years.
She also described the hospitalization and death of her sister-in-law in early 2020, who underwent major surgery and received end-of-life care without family visitation due to hospital restrictions. After being discharged home, the family chose to gather together despite public health guidance in order to fulfill her final wish for a Mother’s Day gathering before her death. Ms. Tournier further testified about the effects of school closures and activity cancellations on her grandchildren, including rural isolation and fear stemming from public messaging and enforcement measures.
In addition, she described participation in protests opposing government mandates and detailed what she characterized as a heavy police presence at those events, including road closures, surveillance, and issuance of $2,800 fines. She contrasted this with other public gatherings she perceived as receiving limited enforcement. She stated that some protesters’ photographs were published through Crime Stoppers and that Saskatchewan Government Insurance was reportedly used to help identify individuals for ticketing. Ms. Tournier concluded that these experiences significantly diminished her trust in governmental and institutional authorities.