Student protesters against the provincial mask and health restriction mandates took station outside the Town of Stettler and Clearview Public Schools offices on Feb. 4.
According to chief administrative officer Greg Switenky, the protesters were “peaceful and polite” and did not impact Town of Stettler operations.
“We had a steady stream of our customers coming in,” said Switenky.
The student protest is the latest in a long line of protests against health restrictions and mandates that have been sweeping across the Canada in recent days.
“A lot of folks are tired and exhausted and done,” said Switenky.
In addition to the student protest at the town and Clearview offices, a number of students left classes and began protesting outside of Gus Wetter School in Castor and a number of other schools throughout the province.
According to a release by Clearview Public Schools, a demonstration was also held in Coronation, and no other schools were affected.
“We respect the right of individuals to express their opinions and recognize that demonstration is part of democracy,” said superintendent Brenda MacDonald, via the release.
“We would encourage anyone wishing to express their opinion about health guidelines in Clearview’s schools to contact their local MLA, or other provincial leaders. The province has the authority to establish or change health guidelines.”
According to the release, “an estimated high of 40 individuals” were protesting at the Clearview Public School offices in Stettler, and no more than a handful took part in Castor or Coronation.
Demonstrators at the Clearview offices were invited inside for coffee, hot chocolate and donuts and allowed to warm up.
A number of vehicles honked their horns in support of the student protestors on Feb. 4, 2022. (Kevin Sabo/BLACK PRESS NEWS MEDIA)
