Contempt of court application against Calgary pastor withdrawn

Alberta Health Services says it has withdrawn its contempt of court application against a Calgary pastor who was arrested earlier this month on allegations of violating COVID-19 laws.

Tim Stephens was arrested May 9 for allegedly organizing a church service that was held earlier in the day at Fairview Baptist Church, which police said did not comply with public health orders.

An injunction obtained by Alberta Health Services on May 6 mandated that event organizers comply with public health restrictions, including masking, physical distancing, and attendance limits.

AHS, the agency that delivers health care in Alberta, says in a statement that it withdrew its application against Stephens due to an issue of mistaken identity when the injunction was served.