A week after a Moose Jaw couple protested in front of the Prairie South School Division board office over mask mandates, two more residents have joined the cause with similar concerns.
Mother Karli Amundrud and grandmother Suzanne Zakaluzny demonstrated in front of the Prairie South board office on Ninth Avenue North on May 18, after hearing about the protest that Tannis and Ivan Brideau carried out on May 11.
Some of the new signs that the Brideaus had created included “Stop forced experiments on our children,” “Experimental jabs not proven safe or effective,” and “Yes, pray 4 our children.”
“Obviously, I’m fighting for … all kids, not just mine,” Amundrud said during the morning protest.
She says mask mandates are unconstitutional and cannot be forced on a healthy population since they go against citizens’ rights and freedoms. She also believes that most non-medical masks people wear are not truly foolproof against COVID-19 since the virus particles can seep through the material.
Wearing masks indoors is mandatory, as per a Public Health Order from the Government of Saskatchewan.
Amundrud’s other concern is that the provincial government is rolling out vaccines for youths aged 12 to 18. She pointed out that the vaccines are still technically in the experimental trials until 2023. Health Canada approved their use under an emergency order.
It doesn’t make sense that a vaccine is even required — or follow-up booster shots — for a virus with a near 100-per-cent survival rate, Amundrud stated.
She also didn’t understand why a cure for cancer or HIV hasn’t been discovered during the past few decades, yet COVID-19 showed up 14 months ago, and somehow, a vaccine has been developed in eight months.
By demonstrating, Amundrud hoped the group could convince people to question what’s being reported and perform independent investigation and research. She also wanted Prairie South to be more transparent, especially with vaccines and wanted to see the reasoning for pushing this on kids.
In an email to the Express, PSSD board chairman Robert Bachmann said the board has consistently relied on advice from public health officials to make medical decisions. Furthermore, the province’s reopen plan states that wearing masks indoors will remain through all three phases.
“We will not deviate from this provincial mandate … ,” he said. “PSSD will not force students to be vaccinated. Older students do have the right to decide on their own vaccination response and we would encourage them to discuss their choice with their parents.”
Zakaluzny was also concerned about forcing children to wear masks, considering they need fresh, clean air to think clearly. She was also worried that kids could be forced to take the vaccine and thought they should have the freedom to choose.
“We need to speak up for our children. We are their voice … . These are going to be children that grow up and say, ‘Why didn’t my daddy stand up for me? Why didn’t anybody say anything?’” she said.
Students need to know that they are loved and in good hands, considering adults should be more knowledgeable, Zakaluzny added. She also thought praying for students was the best option since it could provide the best outcome.
