Former Great Canadian CEO Rod Baker avoids prison time for breaking Covid rules
Former Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Gaming Rod Baker and his wife Ekaterina were fined $2,300 for breaking emergency travel rules to receive a Covid-19 vaccination in Yukon, Canada.
The couple pleaded guilty to charges under the Yukon Civil Emergency Measures Act but avoided the more serious punishment of prison time.
“Fortunately, nothing physical happened in this case, no one got COVID as a result,” said Judge Michael Cozens, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “There was harm, but the harm wasn’t anyone catching COVID. It was certainly psychological.”
Baker and his wife traveled to Yukon’s capital city Whitehorse in January, foregoing a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period. They posed as motel workers in order to receive a vaccination from a local clinic.
Baker stepped from his position as Great Canadian CEO soon after the story broke. He had held the position since 2011.
Baker’s compensation from Great Canadian will be more than enough to pay the $2,300 and any associated legal fees. He earned approximately $10m in 2019.
Terrance Doyle currently serves as Interim CEO of the company, which operates 25 gaming properties in Canada.
Great Canadian reopened its Nova Scotia properties at 50% capacity this week. Guests are still required to follow social distancing protocols including mask wearing.
“We are excited to reopen both of our Casino Nova Scotia properties, call our team members back to work, and welcome back our guests,” said Doyle. We feel this important development is a precursor to the reopenings we are also eagerly anticipating in British Columbia and Ontario, based on the success of the country’s vaccination program thus far.”
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