One of the more unique stories over the last week of almost constant small scale protesting at multiple locations throughout the province was the case of Mississauga Ontario based Huf Boxing Gym, which has remained open since Wednesday in spite of police and bylaw enforcement efforts to the contrary.

On Friday, the gym was visited by an on-duty Peel Regional Police officer who announced that he supported the gym’s efforts to remain open, didn’t wear a mask, then offended a local member of the legacy media by offering to hug people and pose for photos.

Good times were then had by all except perhaps for Global News correspondent Sean O’Shea, who was on-site in the parking lot at Huf Gym and took offence to hugging in general and anyone hugging him in particular.

The reporter was also confronted by a number of other protestors, most of whom didn’t want to hug him, but instead were angry regarding his biased perspective on the situation.

As noted in the April 16, 2021 Global News post, “Peel officer suspended after hugging COVID-19 protesters, accusing the journalist of agitating attendees,” the Peel Regional Police service suspended the officer (with pay) as soon as they learned about his actions through social media.

Because that’s what people, even police chiefs, currently depend on for their view of reality. Going outside to see what’s actually going on is “verboten” under the current Ontario provincial government.

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah later issued a statement (also on social media) indicating that the “Peel Regional Police are committed to ensuring the safety of our members and the public. Our officers will enforce municipal and provincial regulations as required.”

Later in the day and as noted in the April 18, 2021 Freedom Forum News post, “Ontario Reverses COVID-19 Restrictions after Criticism from Experts & Police: With Commentary from Viva Frei,” and the April 17, 2021 Insauga post, “Police won’t randomly stop people or vehicles in Mississauga and Brampton,” the Peel Regional Police Association (PRPA) was among the numerous Ontario police associations which came out against new provincial government restrictions, calling them in conflict with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Many, but not all, of those restrictions have since been reversed. Maybe Sean O’Shea should have taken the hug when it was offered.

This article was written by Chuck Black and originally posted at FreedomForumCanada.com