New legislation aimed at preventing protests from disrupting important services in B.C.

The B.C. Government has tabled a new act to protect critical services like health care and schools, and prevent disruptive behaviours affecting them.

The proposed legislation will protect hospitals, COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination centres, and K-12 schools by establishing a 20-metre access zone around them. Under the act, it would be an offence under the Provincial Offence Act to impede access to the facility, disrupt services, or act in a way that could cause concern for physical or mental safety for the service users or providers.

“Over the last few months, we’ve seen a small number of people protesting against COVID-19 protective measures by blocking access to health-care facilities and schools,” said Premier John Horgan.

“While everyone has a right to protest, interfering with patients accessing hospital care or with kids trying to get to school is completely unacceptable. This legislation will help to keep these important facilities secure and ensure the safety of both those who use them and those who work in them.”

“The pandemic has been incredibly stressful for all British Columbians, and we don’t need added pressure on key workers who are already under significant strain due to the impact of COVID-19,” added David Eby, Attorney General.

“Free speech is an important right, but there is no right to intimidate already stressed and pressured health-care workers, patients, students, teachers and staff. This bill establishes vital safeguards for our heroic essential service providers so they can do their jobs for all of us.”

The act will give police the power to issue tickets of up to $2,000 to anyone impeding access to a facility, disrupting services, or intimidating or attempting to intimidate an individual within the access zones. Individuals in contravention to the act could also be arrested and face up to six months in prison.

The courts will also be able to issue an injunction to prevent people from contravening the act.

The act will not apply to lawful job action in access zones.

“Health-care workers, children and teachers deserve to feel safe when they go to work or school but we’ve seen a number of protests recently where they’ve been the target of anger and abuse. This new measure will allow law enforcement to act if an individual or group continues to put others at risk through their thoughtless and selfish actions,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

The act would be in effect until July 1, 2023, though it could be repealed before that date if deemed no longer necessary.