“I’m not excusing my actions”: man at centre of bar disturbance issues apology

“Drinking and driving is simply not acceptable”_{– Judge Thomas Healey}

“A male jumped out of the driver’s side door and starting walking towards the officer at a relatively fast pace. The officer drew his service arm and told the man to get down on the ground. The male complied and he was placed into police custody,” she said.

A gun was found in Franc’s truck at the police station. Franc provided two breath samples, both had readings of 0.140. Prior to sentencing, Franc read a prepared statement to the court and apologized to both the staff and patrons at Bugsy’s for his actions, as well as the Prince Albert Police Service, thanking them for the professional manner they handled his situation.

“I acted out of my character and would like to explain why I broke down that night at Bugsy’s bar,” he read.

Franc explained he was going through a great deal of stress because his wife had just left him, as well at the time he was working in the housekeeping services at Victoria Hospital.

“I was on the front line of COVID-19, the first wave, which added more stress,” he said.

On June 19, police were called to Bugsy’s Bar and Grill shortly after midnight. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Franc went on to read that while working under quarantine conditions at the hospital, he learned his weekend supervisor was charged with the murder of his family, which added further stress to his state of mind.

The man Franc refers to is Nathaniel Carrier, who faces three counts of first-degree murder (parents and son), and one count of attempted murder(young daughter). Franc recalled seeing Carrier at work the previous Friday and said he learned what happened the following Monday.

“I’m not excusing my actions for I am deeply sorry and remorseful for what I did,” Franc said.

France also explained how he worked at the hospital during the time of a declared outbreak and cleaned the suspected COVID-19 room on level five. When the charges were laid last month, France was fired from his job.

“I am a man of peace your honour and this is why I’m feeling very remorseful for my actions and I’m glad I never hurt anyone while under the influence of alcohol,” he said.

Franc, who had no criminal record, received a $1,500 fine for the impaired driving offence, and will be prohibited from driving for one year. Judge Thomas Healey said he did not question Franc’s remorse for what happened.

“The unfortunate side of things is that they are not an excuse or justification for what happened,’ he said. “Drinking and driving is simply not acceptable.”

Members of Franc’s family were in court for the hearing Thursday, and Healey acknowledged their presence, telling Franc he was fortunate to have so much support.

“You may want to actually be thankful because that night could have been much worse,” Healey said, explaining had there been property damage or injury to someone, the charges would have been far more serious.

Franc’s two remaining gun-related charges have yet to be dealt with but will be spoken to Aug. 6 at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

Response from the health care union

CUPE Local 5430 is the largest health care union in Saskatchewan, representing over 13,600 members.

President Sandra Seitz told paNOW COVID-19 has added many challenges to the workplace, from the extra amount of cleaning required, to dealing with long term care residents who have been physically distanced from their families, and now require different levels of emotional support.

“There is added stress due to the fact you are fearful you could take COVID home to your family, because you are working within the health care system,” Seitz said.

Seitz added another stress for some members has been being told they could only work in one facility, whereas pre-COVID they could bounce around between two or three facilities. As a result of the change, some members have been forced to get second jobs to supplement their incomes.

Despite the added stress and challenges in the workplace, Seitz said their members have persevered and continue to put the health of patients and residents first.

“During this time, we are very proud of how our members have stepped up and are taking on this COVID with the courage that they have,” she said.

Response from Sask Health Authority (SHA)

A spokesperson for the Saskatchewan Health Authority provided a statement for paNOW, which indicated the SHA is not able to discuss issues involving staff members. The statement did however explain that supports are in place for staff who may be dealing with stress or anxiety.

“The SHA has supports for staff members available through its Employee and Family Assistance Program, along with a dedicated phone number and online resources to provide mental health support related to the pandemic,” a statement said

–

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

“I’m not excusing my actions”: man at centre of bar disturbance issues apology

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