The wealthy Vancouver couple accused of duping their way into getting a COVID-19 vaccine in the Yukon before they were eligible is still waiting to learn their fate.
Rod and Ekaterina Baker were due in court Tuesday in the Yukon but the matter has now been put over until 10 a.m. Wednesday for a plea and likely disposition.
In January, the Bakers allegedly travelled to the remote community of Beaver Creek in a private plane and misrepresented themselves to get their first doses.
They had reportedly ignored the territory’s 14-day mandatory quarantine rules upon arrival and were eventually fined $575 each and charged under Yukon’s Civil Emergency Measures Act.
Rod Baker also subsequently stepped down as president and chief executive of Great Canadian Gaming.
-
![]()
Yukon court hearing for alleged COVID-19 vaccine ‘queue jumpers’ -
![]()
‘I’m disgusted’ says Indigenous services minister after B.C. couple accused of flying to Yukon to jump vaccine queue -
![]()
Vancouver couple who lied to get vaccinated sparks anger in remote Yukon community -
![]()
Great Canadian Gaming CEO resigns over alleged vaccine queue jumping -
![]()
‘I think they should be ashamed of themselves’: Dr. Bonnie Henry on Yukon vaccine queue jumpers
The White River First Nation says the Bakers have never apologized for their actions, calling their behaviour “callous and irresponsible.”
Get breaking National news
The First Nation also says a fine without additional punishment would not be adequate for what they did.
“The Bakers acted knowingly because they felt entitled to do so. The courts cannot let the fact that time has passed cloud the seriousness of their offense to our community and to the rest of the Yukon,” White River First Nation Chief Bessie Chassé said in a release.
“All eyes are on the Yukon Government and the courts to fulfill their duty to all Yukoners to protect and serve. We demand that the Yukon Government and the courts not reward the Bakers for their self-centered actions. Issuing a fine to the entitled elite, without additional punishment, would have little to no effect. It would not send a sufficient message to others who may choose to behave in this fashion in the future.”
Nothing has been proven in court, but the Bakers could serve up to six months in jail if convicted.
The B.C. government has also confirmed the Bakers will not be eligible for the second dose of the vaccine until August.
- B.C. court rules Mounties can apply to dispose of Pickton evidence
- ‘It feels very bad’: Brampton reels after two nights of tense protest outside temple
- Mother of Canadian detained in Syria ‘exhausted’ as Supreme Court rejects case
- 3 charged in Brampton Hindu temple demonstration as India’s Modi weighs in
Comments