A group of Grey County policitians are being slammed for holding an event that some say blatantly ignored COVID-19 restrictions.
More then 20 sylists and salon owners released a statement saying they are calling for an external investigation into possible health violations at an event called "The Beard For Bucks" fundraiser at the Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts in Owen Sound over the weekend.
At the event, several politicians, including MP Alex Ruff and MPP Bill Walker had their beards professionally trimmed for the cause.
Hair, Body and Soul owner Jen Wagner tells CKNX News that "we immediately raised our concern that proper public health guidelines weren't being followed. There really didn't seem to be any concern for that. The apologies were weak at best, and it seems like if we didn't say anything, that it would just get swept under the rug".
Wagner says the group is calling for the external investigation because "we just aren't sure if there are any local connections or personal connections between the public health unit in our area, and any of the councillors or politicians involved. We feel like having an outside-county investigation would be a more unbiased situation". In a statement to CKNX News, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff says "This past weekend I participated in the Owen Sound Hospital Foundation “Beards for Bucks” fundraiser and I’m thankful to all the donors who contributed. That being said, it was unfortunate during the actual shaving of the beards on July 11th that we, the participants, were not completely compliant with current provincial health protocols. Constituents expect better from their elected officials. I personally should have known better and I will do better going forward." Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy has not responded to a request for comment.
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Statement provided by Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker's office in response to this story: "For the past 4 months, Ontarians have been making sacrifices and working hard to fight COVID-19. I am thankful for their continued efforts and the hard work that our frontline workers have been doing to limit the spread of this virus in Bruce and Grey counties and across the province.
This weekend I participated in the Beards for Bucks fundraiser. Despite being aware of measures in place to protect Ontarians, I received a professional shave as part of the event. I apologize for any misunderstanding my participation has caused. I recognize the need to remain vigilant in adhering to all public health measures and will ensure that all future public events I attend are in full compliance with the measures in place."
