19.11°C Vancouver

Jan 26, 2021 10:33 PM -

Couple accused of flying to Yukon for vaccine 'despicable': B.C. minister

Share On
couple-accused-of-flying-to-yukon-for-vaccine-despicable-b-c-minister
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth speaks to media about how non-medical cannabis will be regulated in the province during a news conference in the press gallery at the legislature in Victoria on Monday February 5, 2018. Farnworth says a Vancouver couple accused of flying to the Yukon to get the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most "despicable" things he's heard in a long time. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the alleged actions of a BC couple accused of trying to jump the COVID-19 vaccination queue show a "complete lack of any sort of ethical or moral compass."

Farnworth says the matter is "one of the most despicable things he's heard in a long time," but he notes that the former Great Canadian Gaming CEO Rodney Baker has paid a high price in losing what he says is a "10-million-dollar-a-year job."

Baker, who's 55, and his 32-year-old wife Ekaterina Baker, are accused of flying to the Yukon, violating self-isolation rules and getting a COVID-19 vaccination shot at a remote community near the Alaska border.

Both were ticketed for the alleged infractions.

The claims against them have not been proven in court and the tickets indicate the Bakers can challenge the details.

Latest news

canada-could-get-tariff-relief-on-steel-aluminum-and-automobiles
CanadaAug 19, 2026

Canada Could Get Tariff Relief on Steel, Aluminum and Automobiles

Canada could receive some tariff relief on steel, aluminum and automobiles under a new trade deal with the United States that is reportedly nearing completion. According to reports, Washington could reduce the current 50% tariff on some Canadian steel and aluminum exports to 25% as part of the agreement. However, the details have not yet been finalized, and the new rates are not expected to apply equally to all products. Different tariffs could be imposed on certain steel- and aluminum-derived products. Meanwhile, the top-line tariff on automobiles could reportedly be reduced from 25% to 15%.
AlbertaAug 19, 2026

Calgary Police Officer to Stand Trial for Murder After Two Die in Slow-Speed Chase

A Calgary police officer charged with two counts of second-degree murder will stand trial in connection with the deaths of two men during a slow-speed police pursuit in 2023. A judge ordered a trial for 52-year-old Const. Craig Stothard on Tuesday, following the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry. The inquiry was held to determine whether there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Stothard was charged after Wesley Davidson and Levon Boyce Fox were shot and killed on May 29, 2023, following a police pursuit involving a stolen cube van. Police had responded to a report of suspi
CanadaAug 19, 2026

Canada Confirms Trade Deal With U.S.; Details Expected Friday

Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that Canada is moving toward a trade agreement with the United States, saying it will deliver the best possible deal across the country’s most important sectors. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra welcomed the progress and credited President Donald Trump for the development. Details of the interim agreement could be released by Friday, with Canada reportedly making progress on reducing sector-specific tariffs. The deal could help bring an end to the trade war that has continued between the two countries for the past year and a half.
IndiaAug 19, 2026

Various Sikh Organisations Support ‘Punjab Bandh’ Call

Various Sikh organisations have extended their support to the ‘Punjab Bandh’ call given by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for August 21. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also backed the bandh and decided to keep its offices and all affiliated institutions closed on August 21. Apart from the SGPC, the Shiromani Akali Dal Reunited, Akali Dal ‘Waris Punjab De’, Dal Khalsa, Hawara Committee, Mann Dal and several other Sikh organisations have announced their support for the bandh. Sikh leaders have appealed to the public to completely shut their businesses until 2 p.m. on Aug
vancouver-granville-street-homicide-35-year-old-man-arrested
BCAug 19, 2026

Vancouver Granville Street Homicide: 35-Year-Old Man Arrested

Vancouver Police have arrested 35-year-old James Christopher Holmgren after Crown counsel approved a second-degree murder charge in connection with a fatal stabbing on Granville Street last year. Police were called to the area of Granville Street and Helmcken Street on November 17, 2025, after reports of a man suffering from a stab wound. The victim, 20-year-old Aymen Al-Hafidh, was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Holmgren was arrested by Vancouver Police Homicide Unit detectives and remains in custody.

Related News