Masks, physical distancing not required at Kelowna political rally

Photo: Derek Sloan - Twitter

No masks, no distancing, no problem.

Federal Conservative party leadership candidate Derek Sloan spoke to a large group of well over 50 at a private home on Jean Road in Southeast Kelowna Monday night.

Pictures tweeted out by Sloan's campaign show the maskless crowd of people gathered in close quarters, in defiance of provincial guidelines laid out by Dr. Bonnie Henry, restricting gatherings to no more than 50, and asking that masks be worn when physical distancing was not possible.

Sloan has stated he is dead set against making the wearing of masks mandatory, believes the Trudeau Liberals have not been hard enough on China where the virus originated. He asked aloud back in April whether this country's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, who is Asian-Canadian, works for Canada or China — sparking condemnation from many in his own party.

He has also said he would pull Canada's funding from the World Health Organization.

Neighbours in the area reached out to Castanet Monday night, complaining about the large number of cars parked along McClain and Jean roads and the gathering.

They described the event as "inappropriate" given the times.

Monday's event occurred in the midst of the Kelowna-Lake Country riding.

Federal Conservative MP Tracy Gray, who represents the riding, didn't speak to the event specifically, but stated everyone should be following the advice of provincial health authorities.

"And that includes anyone planning or attending any kinds of events," she said.

Sloan also tweeted several pictures from events in Chilliwack and Mission over the weekend, where people appeared to be doing a better job of physical distancing.

Photo: Contributed

Parking was scarce around a political rally Monday evening in Kelowna