7.75°C Vancouver

Apr 7, 2021 9:29 PM -

Alberta church shut down, fenced off for ignoring COVID-19 health restrictions

Share On
alberta-church-shut-down-fenced-off-for-ignoring-covid-19-health-restrictions
File - Free Reformed Church is seen as people attend Sunday Service, in Chilliwack, B.C., on Sunday, February 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Metal fences have been put up around the GraceLife church just west of Edmonton and Alberta Health Services says it will stay closed until it complies with COVID-19 health rules.

The church has ignored public health warnings for months, and its pastor spent a month in jail.

Churches are allowed to be open at 15 per cent capacity, but officials say hundreds of people have attended GraceLife's services.

Several doctors say public-health restrictions introduced by government are not enough

Several doctors from Calgary and Edmonton say that with cases involving COVID-19 variants doubling every week, public-health restrictions introduced by the Alberta government are not enough to reduce the spread of the virus.

Dr. James Talbot, co-chair of the COVID-19 committee with the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association, says the restrictions on indoor restaurant dining and retail customer limits announced yesterday won't reduce the stress on hospitals and intensive care units.

Another expert with the University of Calgary says in order to get the curve bending downward, there needs to be another shutdown like the one imposed last spring.

Latest news

some-haitian-migrants-arrested-in-southern-quebec-deported-to-u-s-after-asylum-review
CanadaJan 02, 2026

Some Haitian migrants arrested in southern Quebec deported to U.S. after asylum review

Some of the Haitian migrants arrested by RCMP officers in southern Quebec on Christmas Day have been deported to the United States after their asylum claims were reviewed by federal authorities. The Canada Border Services Agency says all 19 individuals had their claims assessed, and those found to be inadmissible under Canadian law were returned to the U.S. The agency did not specify how many people were deported following the review. Federal officials point to the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States, which requires asylum seekers to make a refugee claim in the fi
IndiaJan 02, 2026

Former DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar denied bail by CBI court

Former Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General Harcharan Singh Bhullar has suffered a legal setback after a CBI special court in Chandigarh rejected his bail application. The order was passed on Friday following a detailed hearing in the case. During the proceedings, the court heard arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. The hearing took place after the court had earlier directed both sides to submit their replies and present their positions on the bail plea. Bhullar had also approached the Supreme Court seeking interim bail and a stay on the ongoing CBI proceedings. However, the
abbotsford-police-say-traffic-enforcement-will-continue-into-2026-amid-safety-concerns
CanadaJan 02, 2026

Abbotsford police say traffic enforcement will continue into 2026 amid safety concerns

The Abbotsford Police Department says traffic enforcement will remain a key focus in 2026, citing ongoing concerns about collisions linked to speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving on local roads. Police say these factors continue to contribute to serious injuries and fatalities, many of which are considered preventable. Officers are expected to continue a mix of enforcement and public education aimed at improving safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians across the city. According to figures released by AbbyPD, officers issued more than 4,900 traffic violation tickets in 202
man-injured-as-surrey-police-probe-two-separate-overnight-shootings
BCJan 02, 2026

Man injured as Surrey police probe two separate overnight shootings

Surrey RCMP are investigating two separate shootings that occurred within about an hour overnight in different parts of the city, leaving one man injured and prompting renewed public safety concerns. Police say officers were first called shortly before midnight to the Newton neighbourhood near 140B Street and 59 Avenue. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to hospital and is expected to survive. A second man was arrested at the scene, and investigators say the incident does not appear to be connected to the recent extortion-related cases in Surrey. A
prime-minister-mark-carney-to-visit-france-for-ukraine-peace-talks-next-week
CanadaJan 02, 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit France for Ukraine peace talks next week

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to travel to France next week to take part in international discussions focused on advancing a potential peace framework for Ukraine. The Prime Minister’s Office says Carney will be in Paris on Monday and Tuesday, where he will join meetings of the so-called coalition of the willing, a group of more than 30 countries led by the United Kingdom and France. The coalition has been coordinating diplomatic and military support for Ukraine as the war with Russia continues. In a statement released Friday, Carney said his priority will be strengthening Ukraine?

Related News