INNISFAIL – The RCMP has brought new COVID-19-related charges against controversial local barbershop co-owner Natalie Klein.
“The actions of this government are truly embarrassing,” said Klein in a Facebook post, adding she was served with two summonses during the morning of March 11 at her home by the RCMP, the same COVID-19-related charges that were withdrawn by the Crown on March 8.
“Stop bullying small business owners,” she added in her social media post. “These restrictions are unwarranted and unsubstantiated. I look forward to my day in court! This post is not an invitation for any type of bullying, or negative feedback. I have endured enough.”
Klein, who co-owns Innisfail’s Bladez 2 Fadez Barbershop, is scheduled to appear in Red Deer provincial court to answer to the new charges on Monday, April 19.
The 42-year-old co-owner of Innisfail’s Bladez 2 Fadez Barbershop, along with her husband Yanik Brazeau, were served with the original two COVID-related violation tickets on Jan. 13; one for removing a notice posted for public information and another for contravening an order of the medical officer of health.
The couple were defying a provincial COVID restriction that all personal service businesses had to remain closed until at least Jan. 21. The province later announced that as of Jan. 18 personal service businesses could open by personal appointment only.
The March 11 laying of new COVID-19-related charges followed the bizarre turn of events that occurred on March 8 when her original charges were withdrawn through a letter from the Crown. Klein had gone to provincial court at the Red Deer Baymont Inn & Suites that day to answer to the charges but was told there the case was over, original charges were withdrawn.
Last week the RCMP and Alberta’s Justice and Solicitor General ministry said the matter was the result of a “clerical error” and the case was being probed further.
When asked if the latest development was a surprise, Klein said, “most definitely.”
She told The Albertan that two lawyers have agreed to act for her, and that they would be making all public comments relating to her upcoming case.
“At this point I can’t speak any further on it,” she said.
However, she did say she is now “very emotional” from the roller-coaster turn of events.
“I think I have been through enough. My mental health is struggling,” she added.
She said her barbershop will remain open, and that she will also continue with her bid to get elected as a member of town council in the upcoming general municipal election on Oct. 18.
“It is just on hold for the time being,” she said. Obviously, I have more important issues at the moment.”
