BC, Quebec consider legislation restricting where anti-vaccine protests can take place

After anti-vaccine protests at essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, provincial governments in BC and Quebec appear ready to pass new legislation where people can exercise their right to protest against COVID measures.

In Quebec, Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault tabled Bill 105, a "special law" that forbids "all protests related to the pandemic within 50 metres of the above-listed establishments, including hospitals, schools, daycares and designated COVID-19 testing and immunization centres.

It also includes CEGEPs, vocational centres and adult-education centres after an amendment from Liberal MLA Marwah Rizqy.

Further deliberations in the legislative assembly resulted in another amendment to specifically protect the ability of workers to demonstrate better working conditions. Bill 105 also introduced fines ranging from $1000 to $6000 for protesting within 50 metres, rising to $12000 for any individual who "threatens [or obstructs] people entering or leaving schools, daycares, hospitals and designated COVID-19 testing or vaccination centres."

"I understand that it is difficult to restrict the right to protest, but, frankly, there are limits," wrote Premier Francois Legault on social media. "We must spare our children, those who are sick and the workers in the health network who take care of our loved ones during a pandemic that affects them all."

The measures have a sunset clause of 30 days, but the Quebec government has made clear it may renew them should the COVID-19 state of emergency order remain in effect.

In BC, allegations of anti-vaccine protesters forced their way into Salmon Arm schools, the compelling staff there to impose "hold and secure measures."

This comes after opponents of the BC proof of vaccination order congregated around Lower Mainland hospitals, impeding EMS vehicle access and intimidating patients, healthcare workers, and families. Many healthcare workers vented their frustrations over the decision to hold loud demonstrations directly outside the buildings.

"I think all British Columbians are perplexed that people who have a different point of view – a minority view – would choose to disrupt children in education settings or patients in healthcare settings to get their point across," said Premier John Horgan.

"I'm hopeful that we've seen the last of that type of behaviour, but we want to ensure that that doesn't happen again," he added.

The premier said that Attorney General David Eby and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth are discussing the province's options, including introducing new legislation or updating existing regulations.

The proposals have broad public support in both British Columbia and Quebec.