Alberta criminalizes hospital protests, fines start at $1,000
LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta Government is taking steps that it says will keep healthcare workers and patients safe.
Premier Jason Kenney says there have been several anti-vaccination protests outside of healthcare facilities across the province, many of which have impeded the abilities of both those providing and receiving care.
The province will be adding hospitals and other health facilities to 2020’s Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, declaring these buildings as being essential infrastructure.
“Recent protests at hospitals have revealed the need to keep health-care workers safe and to make sure Albertans can receive critical care when they need it,” says Kenney. “All Canadians have the right to peaceful protest, but blocking ambulances and preventing people from getting treatment is definitely not peaceful. Law enforcement is now fully empowered to make sure hospitals and health facilities are safe.”