Alberta justice minister condemns COVID-19 protests planned for hospitals
Posted Sep 13, 2021 10:28 am.
Last Updated Sep 13, 2021 1:06 pm.
EDMONTON – Alberta’s justice minister is condemning those planning to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates outside Calgary and Edmonton hospitals Monday afternoon.
All Canadians have the right to peaceful protest, but I cannot disagree more strongly with those protesting at hospitals today. 1/3 #ableg
— Kaycee Madu, KC, ECA (@KayceeMaduYEG) September 13, 2021
Kaycee Madu says in a series of tweets that while everyone has the right to peacefully protest, can “cannot disagree more strongly” with people who will be protesting at medical centres.
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“COVID is real. Families’ lives have been shattered. Our healthcare workers have been doing indispensable work throughout the pandemic,” Madu wrote.
The premier echoed Madu’s statements.
“It is outrageous that a small minority feel it’s appropriate to protest at hospitals during the pandemic while our health-care workers continue to tirelessly battle the global menace of COVID-19,” Jason Kenney said in a statement.
Kenney says the right to protest is not without limits.
“Today’s protests must in no way obstruct the important operations of our hospitals, including the arrival and departure of emergency vehicles and workers. Blocking an ambulance is most definitely not peaceful protest.”
Madu and Kenney both say local law enforcement teams can enforce the UCP’s Critical Infrastructure Defence Act where necessary.
I trust law enforcement will take all necessary action to ensure healthcare operations are in no way impeded, up to and including potential use of the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act. 3/3 #ableg
— Kaycee Madu, KC, ECA (@KayceeMaduYEG) September 13, 2021
Bill 1 was created to protect “essential infrastructure from damage or interference caused by blockades, protests or similar activities, which can cause significant public safety, social, economic and environmental consequences.”
Fines of up to $200,000 can be handed down to people or companies found to be in violation of the rule.
It came into effect in June 2020.
In Calgary, police say they will not tolerate anything that prevents patients or staff from getting in and out of the hospital.
We are working with the protest organizers to lay out these expectations and we are also liaising with Alberta Health Services as well as staff at the Foothills. We will have officers on site and also have additional members on standby should they be required. @AHS_media #yyc
— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) September 13, 2021
“We are working with the protest organizers to lay out these expectations and we are also liaising with AHS as well as staff at the Foothills,” the Calgary Police Service said in a statement.
“We will have officers on-site and also have additional members on standby should they be required.”
Edmonton police also added that officers will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt hospital operations.
EPS will be at today’s protest at the Royal Alexandra Hospital to ensure public safety. While everyone has the right to peaceful assembly, any attempts to disrupt hospital operations will not be tolerated.
— Edmonton Police (@edmontonpolice) September 13, 2021
