Whistle Stop Cafe owner launches class-action lawsuit against Alberta government over COVID-19 restrictions
Supporters gather during a rally against measures taken by government and health authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19 at the Whistle Stop cafe in Mirror Alta, on Saturday May 8, 2021. The Whistle Stop was shut down by AHS for not complying with COVID-19 rules (The Canadian Press/Jason Franson).
The owner of the Whistle Stop Cafe is suing the Alberta government for imposing mandates on businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A class-action lawsuit on behalf of the business was certified by the Alberta Court of King's Bench on Wednesday.
The lawsuit is open to all businesses in Alberta that were impacted by pandemic closures.
"All individuals who owned, in whole or in part, a business or businesses in Alberta that was subject to full or partial closure, or operational restrictions, mandated by the CMOH (chief medical officer of health) orders between March 17, 2020, and the date of certification," court documents read.
The province had argued against the certification of the lawsuit, asserting that "Alberta enjoys immunity for various reasons including that the CMOH orders were policy decisions."
Additionally it said business owners had the right to pursue independent legal action, noting some businesses have already done just that.
The Whistle Stop Cafe in Mirror, Alta., made national news in 2021 when it opened for dine-in service despite orders from Alberta's chief medical officer of health that prevented it from doing so.
The cafe's owner, Christopher Scott, was charged with breaching the Public Health Act.
Scott faced a total of 11 charges, nine of which fall under the Public Health Act.
He was acquitted on all charges in 2023.
Lawyer Chad Williamson, left, and Whistle Stop Cafe owner Christopher Scott on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, outside a Red Deer court following Scott's acquittal on charges he violated Alberta public health orders related to the COVID pandemic. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton)
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week.
Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the upcoming fall economic statement on Monday will remove the cap that currently restricts Canadian pension funds from owning more than 30 per cent of the voting shares of a Canadian entity.
Canada's homicide rate down in most provinces, with 2 exceptions
The homicide rate is declining in Canada, and the country’s three largest cities all saw double-digit percentage decreases in homicides per capita, according to data released this week.
'They believe in diplomacy, good luck': Doug Ford doubles down on energy threat as some premiers distance themselves
Doug Ford is standing behind his threat to stop providing the U.S. with electricity in response to president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs, even as several other premiers publicly distance themselves from the stance.
Vader case: What it's like to watch a parole hearing if you're the son of homicide victims
On the other side of the planet, Bret McCann, whose parents went missing and died in the 2010s, sat anxiously as the man convicted in their deaths pleaded for parole.
Top musician forced to cancel Toronto concert after Air Canada refused to give his priceless cello a seat on plane
Famed British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who became a household name after performing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has said he had to cancel a concert in Canada after the country’s largest airline denied his pre-booked seat for his cello.
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit that alleged sexual assault by 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe
Paula Abdul and former 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe have agreed to settle a lawsuit in which she alleged he sexually assaulted her in the early 2000s when she was a judge on the show.
Federal government says 'not to confuse' premiers' differing opinions on Trump tariff retaliation, 'confident' in Canada's response
As it continues to tout a 'Team Canada' approach, the federal government is downplaying differing opinions from premiers on how Canada should respond to a potential 25 per cent tariff from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
Eight people injured after horse-drawn wagon went out of control in eastern Ont.
Eight people were injured after horses became out of control while a man was offering a horse-drawn wagon ride Thursday in eastern Ontario, according to the Brockville Police Service.
Calgary
-
Widow of pedestrian hit and killed on Elbow Drive supports crosswalk changes
The wife of a Calgary man killed while crossing the road in a marked intersection is pushing for flashing lights to be installed.
-
Alberta's new CTrain Green Line plan includes elevated downtown tracks, more stops
The province has released a “reimagined” plan for the Green Line CTrain track that it says is longer and less expensive than what the City of Calgary had planned.
-
Section of QEII highway northbound closed because of 'serious' crash: RCMP
The QEII is closed northbound near Lacombe because of a serious crash as of 10:50 a.m. on Friday, RCMP say.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge man wins lottery for a third time
A Lethbridge man won big earlier this year, but now he's won even more.
-
Eight people facing charges after crackdown on fentanyl dealers in Lethbridge
Eight people are facing charges after a drug bust in Lethbridge targeting fentanyl dealers in the downtown core.
-
Lethbridge Fire and EMS offering safety reminders ahead of holiday season
As the holidays quickly approach, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is putting out a reminder to celebrate safely this year.
Saskatoon
-
'Little girl deserves justice': Gallery erupts in anger as charges stayed against driver who killed child
In a tense courtroom, a judge stayed the charge against a Saskatoon woman who hit and killed a nine-year-old girl.
-
'Gong show': Emergency patients overflow into ambulatory unit at St. Paul's Hospital
The emergency department at St. Paul's Hospital is so full its turning to the ambulatory unit.
-
Saskatoon man faces child porn charges
A 28-year-old Saskatoon man has been charged with child exploitation offences following an online investigation by the Saskatchewan ICE unit.
Regina
-
Second suspect wanted in Sask. serious assaults investigation arrested
The second suspect wanted in connection to serious assaults in Swift Current has been arrested.
-
Grand opening held for Regina's integrated youth services hub
A grand opening for a new youth services community hub was held in Regina on Friday.
-
Regina police stats show year-over-year increase in crimes involving people, property
A Regina police report shows that both crimes against people and property have seen a year-over-year increase when comparing this November to last.
Vancouver
-
Sneaky sketch artist to leave surprises in free libraries throughout Vancouver
Sneaky by name, sneaky by nature - you probably wouldn’t recognize the face of Nishant Jain if it passed you on the street.
-
20-year-old pedestrian suffers life-threatening injuries in Abbotsford crash
A 20-year-old pedestrian is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Abbotsford Friday morning.
-
Vancouver Whitecaps owners put Major League Soccer club up for sale
The owners of the Vancouver Whitecaps are putting the Major League Soccer team up for sale.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. Greens to support NDP on confidence votes, work together on shared priorities
The B.C. New Democratic and Green parties have reached an "agreement in principle" on a "co-operation and responsible government accord" that will see the smaller party support the government on confidence matters.
-
Nanaimo liquor store robbed at knifepoint, RCMP seek suspect
Nanaimo RCMP have released a photograph of a suspect who allegedly robbed a liquor store in the city in an effort to garner new information from the public.
-
B.C. girl inspired by Hollywood star to donate turkeys to local families in need
When Maria-Clara Patrick first watched that video of Arnold Schwarzenegger, she assumed they had nothing in common.
Toronto
-
'They believe in diplomacy, good luck': Doug Ford doubles down on energy threat as some premiers distance themselves
Doug Ford is standing behind his threat to stop providing the U.S. with electricity in response to president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs, even as several other premiers publicly distance themselves from the stance.
-
Top musician forced to cancel Toronto concert after Air Canada refused to give his priceless cello a seat on plane
Famed British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who became a household name after performing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has said he had to cancel a concert in Canada after the country’s largest airline denied his pre-booked seat for his cello.
-
Transit woes continue into the weekend for GTA commuters
Following the service disruptions on Monday and Wednesday, Line 1 (Yonge-University) will be closed between York Mills and St Clair stations though this weekend due to planned track work.
Montreal
-
Quebec, Ottawa announce $100-million deal to fight homelessness, add shelter spaces
Ottawa and Quebec announced an agreement Friday to help unhoused Quebecers as homeless encampments continue to multiply in the province and frigid weather sets in.
-
Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians
Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended.
-
Quarry fire in St-Lazare still burning five days later
You won’t see flames, but there’s still smoke emanating from a burning pile of debris at the Chevrier et Fils Sand Quarry in Saint-Lazare from a fire that started Sunday.
Atlantic
-
P.E.I. RCMP looking for man who reportedly jumped from Confederation Bridge
Multiple police and search and rescue teams are looking for a man who reportedly jumped from the Confederation Bridge Friday morning.
-
Nova Scotia non-profit groups trying to save huge Acadian church now facing lawsuit
The Roman Catholic Church in southwestern Nova Scotia has filed a lawsuit against two non-profit groups trying to save a historic deconsecrated Acadian church.
-
Man charged with manslaughter in death of missing Cape Breton man
A man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and homicide of a man in Cape Breton this past summer.
Winnipeg
-
Saying goodbye to a Winnipeg restaurant owner with a legacy of kindness
Shirley Eng, the charismatic, down-to-earth owner of the famous chicken finger restaurant Mitzi’s, unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of December at age 78, according to her family.
-
Inwood Creamery melts in major fire
A 106-year-old creamery in Inwood, Man., was destroyed in a major blaze Wednesday evening.
-
'Tremendous donation': Police and Fire Games donating to Manitoba organizations to help fund sports
Following a successful Winnipeg World Police and Fire Games in 2023, the host society is setting up a legacy program that will help distribute money to fund local sports in Manitoba. It was announced Friday the program will provide $300,000 through three main avenues.
Ottawa
-
Eight people injured after horse-drawn wagon went out of control in eastern Ont.
Eight people were injured after horses became out of control while a man was offering a horse-drawn wagon ride Thursday in eastern Ontario, according to the Brockville Police Service.
-
More than 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in Ottawa in 2024: Here are the hotspots for thefts
Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service's Crime Map show 1,559 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa between Jan. 1 and Dec. 12. Vehicle thefts include joy rides, opportunistic thefts, and "single-use crimes," according to police.
-
Ontario Premier standing firm on retaliatory measures to Trump tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will use every tool at his disposal to manage the threat of tariffs from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. bank employee taken to hospital with serious injuries after shooting
An employee at Northern Credit Union in Wawa, Ont., was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a shooter entered the branch and opened fire Thursday morning, the financial institution said in a statement.
-
One dead after single vehicle rollover in northern Ontario
A 65-year-old man from northern Ontario has died after a single-vehicle rollover Thursday evening near Temiskaming Shores.
-
Buckingham Palace maid arrested after drunken brawl at work Christmas party
Buckingham Palace is investigating after a member of staff was arrested at the end of a rowdy Christmas party.
Barrie
-
South Simcoe police mourn death of officer facing discreditable conduct charges
The South Simcoe Police Service is mourning the passing of one of its officers.
-
Student charged with explosives-related offence in Kawartha Lakes
Provincial police in Kawartha Lakes charged a student following a report that someone brought an unknown substance into a school.
-
Driver sentenced to jail time in 2019 dangerous driving causing bodily harm case
An Aurora man convicted of dangerous driving causing bodily harm for a crash that sent a woman to hospital where she later died was sentenced Friday in a Newmarket courtroom.
Kitchener
-
School warns parents of possible scarlet fever case in Waterloo, Ont.
There are new concerns surrounding a highly contagious infection after a suspected case of scarlet fever was reported at a school in Waterloo, Ont.
-
This little piggy went to the Humane Society
The Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society has an unusual animal up for adoption after it was found wandering the streets.
-
Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week.
London
-
'Where are we supposed to go?': Emotional reaction to Ford government’s hard line on encampments
There was no shortage of reaction to Premier Doug Ford’s plan to take a hard line on homeless encampments and public drug use.
-
All the evidence is in at bush party shooting trial
For the second day in a row, Crown Attorney Jennifer Moser continued to grill the accused, telling him that he concocted lies to protect himself in the days and weeks following the bush party for young people off of Pack Road in southwest London in July of 2021.
-
Lumber mill levelled by mid-morning blaze
A lumber mill is in ruins following a fire east of Wingham, Ont.
Windsor
-
Fentanyl and Psilocybin seized in Leamington
Essex County OPP have charged two people with drug-related offences following the execution of a warrant in Leamington.
-
CUPW Local 630 leader 'disappointed' by government’s plan amid strike
Windsor-Essex union leaders for Canada Post workers aren’t happy with the latest plans from Canada’s labour minister about the ongoing strike.
-
Crow statue being removed from Chatham park
A 13-foot-tall crow won’t likely be in Zonta Park for much longer.
