Business owner convicted of 36 charges after refusing to comply with area lockdown restrictions

Alexandra Stewart, the owner of Stewart’s Decorating, has been convicted of 36 Provincial Offences related to her defiance of lockdown orders and COVID-19 regulations imposed by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. Despite her vocal criticism of the government’s shutdown measures, Stewart now faces the consequences of her actions.

The Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay found Stewart guilty of violating the Reopening Ontario Act and the Health Protection and Promotion Act between January and May 2021. The charges stemmed from her business’s non-compliance with COVID-19 regulatory requirements and a Section 22 Order issued by the Health Unit.

Stewart’s legal counsel is considering an appeal to a provincial judge following the convictions. This comes after a separate criminal charge against Stewart was withdrawn in April 2022 due to a lack of public interest.

Stewart had been a vocal opponent of the government’s lockdown orders, arguing that they were ineffective and harmful to small businesses like hers. Despite her beliefs, the Health Unit took action to enforce compliance with public health regulations, leading to the convictions.

The Health Unit continues to emphasize the importance of public health and enforcement of regulations to protect the community. Stewart’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals and businesses may face for non-compliance with COVID-19 measures, even if they disagree with them.