Nearly $2 million in fines has been handed out to individuals and businesses for breaching public health orders in the province -- but as of late last month -- not even close to that amount has been paid back.
By April 28, only $162,975 had been paid back, according to a spokesperson for Manitoba Justice.
At the beginning of Manitoba’s second wave of COVID-19 in November, the province announced 90 personnel from G4S Canada would be deployed to enforce the public health orders. At the time, Premier Brian Pallister said the move was to target the few people who refuse to follow public health orders, which puts those who do at risk.
Then, on May 7, the province increased the fines for people who fail to wear a mask multiple times from $298 to $486 and doubled the ticket for other penalties under the order.
People who don’t pay their fines can't renew their driver’s licence through Manitoba Public Insurance or the province could garnish their wages, Pallister said at the time.
If a ticket for a Public Health Act offence isn’t paid, it moves through the provincial court system and a $100 default conviction penalty would be applied. Unpaid tickets are also sent to a collection agency.
If a collection agency becomes involved, and funds aren’t recovered, the offender’s credit rating is negatively impacted for the next several years, according to a spokesperson from Recoveries Manitoba, a collection agency in Winnipeg.
On Monday, Dr. Brent Roussin reiterated how important it is to continue following public health orders.
"We need to be cautious and we need to continue doing what we can to keep everyone safe," ended Roussin. "We also need eligible Manitobans to get their vaccine, it's very important."
As of Monday, more than 50% of eligible Manitobans had gotten their first dose. You can book yours by calling 1-844-626-8222. If you are booking an appointment for your child who is under the age of 18, you must book in their name, not yours.
