Tory ministers apologize for not wearing masks at gala

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This article was published 18/10/2021 (1793 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two Manitoba cabinet ministers have apologized for not wearing masks while posing for photos at a Winnipeg Art Gallery event.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon and Families Minister Rochelle Squires both apologized Monday after photos from the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Qaumajuq Ball on Saturday were posted to social media, including Squires’ Facebook profile, showing them standing with a group of attendees without face masks.

Current public health orders require anyone attending an indoor, public event to wear a face mask with few exceptions. Masks can be removed when consuming food or drinks, according to the order. Attendees of the gala had to be fully vaccinated.

Gordon said she had removed her mask while seated at the table where food and drinks were being served. She said she was then asked to pose for a photo with other members of her table and did not put her mask back on.

“At that one particular time I do regret that. I didn’t think much deeper about my decision to pose for the photo and for that I ask for forgiveness. I feel very badly about it today,” Gordon said.

As health minister, Gordon said she is held to a higher standard and should be a role model for public-health order compliance.

“It’s unfortunate, it was wrong and that should not have happened, and for that I deeply apologize,” she continued. “I want Manitobans to know that the restrictions are there to protect all of us, regardless of where we are, and what the event might be, and that this is not going to happen again.”

Gordon said she would pay a fine for failing to wear a mask at an indoor public place if she receives one. Such tickets are $298 in Manitoba.

“If it is levied, it should be paid and I will,” she said.

Squires also apologized for failing to wear a mask while away from her table. She acknowledged that her mask was off more than it was on during the event, which included a sit-down dinner and cocktail reception.

“I certainly will address the concerns by apologizing and being accountable for not setting the right example and taking accountability,” she said.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca