Conservative Candidate Breaches COVID-19 Quarantine Law
- MONTREAL, April 18, 2025 – A Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) candidate faced consequences for violating quarantine regulations imposed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- RusniakS troubles began upon his arrival at Montreal-Trudeau airport.
- According to the control agent's report, "Rusniak did not want to collaborate" after being informed of the violation.
Conservative Candidate Fined for COVID-19 Quarantine Breach
Table of Contents
- Conservative Candidate Fined for COVID-19 Quarantine Breach
- matthew Rusniak Quarantine violation: Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Matthew Rusniak?
- What is the primary issue concerning Matthew Rusniak?
- What specific violation led to the fine?
- How much was Mr. Rusniak fined?
- Where did Mr. RusniakS troubles begin?
- Why was Rusniak apprehended at the airport?
- What was the purpose of Rusniak’s trip to Sweden?
- What did the control agent report about Rusniak’s response?
- When was Rusniak found guilty of the quarantine breach?
- What was the penalty for the guilty verdict?
- What is the Quarantine Act?
- What was the purpose of the Quarantine Act?
- What did the Quarantine Act mandate for travelers entering Canada?
- Did Rusniak oppose health measures previously?
- What did Rusniak say about reopening his gym despite potential fines?
- Did the CPC comment on the situation?
- Did Matthew Rusniak comment on the situation?
- Summary of Events
MONTREAL, April 18, 2025 – A Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) candidate faced consequences for violating quarantine regulations imposed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew Rusniak,who is vying for a seat in the Lac-Saint-Louis district of Montreal,was fined more than $3,800 for failing to adhere to mandatory quarantine rules in March 2021.
Arrest at Montreal-Trudeau Airport
RusniakS troubles began upon his arrival at Montreal-Trudeau airport. A Canada Public Health Agency (ASPC) control agent apprehended him after he returned from a trip to Sweden with a friend. The purpose of the trip was related to mixed martial arts activities. However, Rusniak had not pre-booked a hotel for the mandatory three-day quarantine, a requirement for all travelers entering Canada at the time.
According to the control agent’s report, “Rusniak did not want to collaborate” after being informed of the violation.
Guilty Verdict and Fine
Almost two years later,in March 2023,Rusniak was found guilty. The penalty included a $3,000 fine, plus $816 in costs.
quarantine Act Measures
The federal government established the Quarantine Act in February 2021 as one of several measures designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. The act mandated that all air travelers entering Canada book and prepay for a three-night stay in a government-authorized accommodation while awaiting the results of their COVID-19 screening test.
Past Opposition to Health Measures
The 32-year-old Rusniak, who also owned a gym in Dorval, had previously voiced his opposition to the Quebec government’s health measures, deeming them “draconian.”
Enough, that’s enough. From now on, my partners and I agreed that we are likely to reopen on January 30, whatever the government says. We could just as easily fight in court, because if we don’t do it, we’re going to go bankrupt. The worst thing that could happen? A fine of the provincial government? Okay, at least we will have income to defend ourselves.
Matthew Rusniak, speaking to the Montreal Gazette in January 2022
CPC Response
The CPC did not respond to requests for comment regarding whether the party expects its candidates to adhere to federal laws.
Rusniak also did not respond to requests for an interview.
– With the collaboration of Ian Gemme
matthew Rusniak Quarantine violation: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matthew Rusniak?
Matthew Rusniak is a Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) candidate, running for a seat in the Lac-Saint-Louis district of Montreal.
What is the primary issue concerning Matthew Rusniak?
Mr. Rusniak was fined for violating mandatory quarantine regulations put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What specific violation led to the fine?
He failed to adhere to mandatory quarantine rules in March 2021.
How much was Mr. Rusniak fined?
He was fined more than $3,800.
Where did Mr. RusniakS troubles begin?
His difficulties began at montreal-Trudeau airport upon his return from a trip to Sweden with a friend.
Why was Rusniak apprehended at the airport?
A canada Public Health Agency (ASPC) control agent apprehended him as he had not pre-booked a hotel for the mandatory three-day quarantine, a requirement for all air travelers entering Canada at the time.
What was the purpose of Rusniak’s trip to Sweden?
The trip to Sweden was related to mixed martial arts activities.
What did the control agent report about Rusniak’s response?
According to the control agent’s report, “Rusniak did not want to collaborate” after being informed of the violation.
When was Rusniak found guilty of the quarantine breach?
he was found guilty in March 2023, almost two years after the initial violation.
What was the penalty for the guilty verdict?
The penalty included a $3,000 fine, plus $816 in costs.
What is the Quarantine Act?
the federal government established the Quarantine Act in February 2021.
What was the purpose of the Quarantine Act?
It was designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
What did the Quarantine Act mandate for travelers entering Canada?
The act mandated that all air travelers entering Canada book and prepay for a three-night stay in a government-authorized accommodation while awaiting the results of thier COVID-19 screening test.
Did Rusniak oppose health measures previously?
Yes, the 32-year-old rusniak had voiced his opposition to Quebec government’s health measures, deeming them “draconian,”
What did Rusniak say about reopening his gym despite potential fines?
In a January 2022 interview with the Montreal Gazette, Rusniak stated, “We could just as easily fight in court, as if we don’t do it, we’re going to go bankrupt. The worst thing that could happen? A fine of the provincial government? Okay, at least we will have income to defend ourselves.”
Did the CPC comment on the situation?
No, the CPC did not respond to requests for comment regarding whether the party expects its candidates to adhere to federal laws.
Did Matthew Rusniak comment on the situation?
No, rusniak did not respond to requests for an interview either.
Summary of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2021 | Rusniak fails to adhere to mandatory quarantine rules upon entering Canada. |
| February 2021 | Quarantine Act established. |
| March 2023 | Rusniak found guilty and fined. |