B.C.’s Public Safety Minister calls for peaceful protests

With more COVID-19 protests planned in communities around B.C. this weekend, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General is calling for peaceful and lawful assemblies.

Mike Farnworth issued a statement Friday saying that the government recognizes the public’s right to engage in peaceful protests, but law officials will also be able to use tools and options to protect people, preserve public safety and investigate unlawful conduct.

“British Columbians have been navigating the ongoing challenges of the pandemic together, and it is unfair to have one group disrupt the lives of so many others as we are seeing in Ottawa and other cities throughout Canada,” said Farnworth.

“We understand the strain of this pandemic, but we must come together to beat COVID-19.”

British Columbia introduced legislation in November that prohibits protesters from being within 20 metres of health care facilities, COVID-19 vaccination and test centres, and schools. This legislation is intended to protect patients and staff and to ensure the services are not interrupted. Anyone in contravention of that order may be issued a fine of up to $2,000 and could face up to six months imprisonment.

Farnworth also noted in his statement that, with 90 per cent of eligible British Columbians having received their first dose of a vaccine, the government is moving towards potentially lifting more restrictions.