Ford government won't table legislation to fine anti-vax protesters
Ontario's Doug Ford government isn't planning to table legislation to curtail anti-vaccination demonstrations outside health care facilities and businesses – a sharp contrast from its provincial neighbour.
The Quebec government unveiled new legislation on Thursday that would create a 50 metre buffer zone around hospitals, schools, daycares and COVID-19 testing and vaccination centres, with hefty fines for those who protest within those boundaries.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault said the temporary measure would allow police to issue fines of up to $10,000 for breaching the buffer zone or for threatening and harassing employees.
While Ontario Premier Doug Ford has denounced these types of protests as "selfish, cowardly and reckless" his government indicated that it is not considering legislation to restrict the rights of protesters from encroaching on hospital property.
"We are confident law enforcement have the resources and tools they need," said Ivana Yelich, a spokesperson for Premier Ford when asked whether the Ontario government was planning legislation similar to Quebec.
"We will continue to monitor the situation in the event more support is required."
The Ontario NDP, however, is planning to table legislation when politicians return to Queen’s Park in October that would create safety zones around small businesses and hospital to prevent employees from being harassed over public health measures.
Demonstrators gather outside Toronto General Hospital, on Monday September 13, 2021, to protest against COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 vaccine passports and COVID-19 related restrictions. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said her party’s legislation would make it a provincial offense to breach the safety zone, with fines of up to $25,000.
Asked whether the Ford government would support legislation from the Official Opposition, Yelich said the Progressive Conservatives would "certainly review it."
"To date, the opposition has not provided us with any proposed legislation."
The legislature resumes on Oct 4.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air quality alerts issued as wildfire smoke spreads east from Western Canada
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
LIVE UPDATES Michael Cohen will face a bruising cross-examination by Trump's lawyers at the hush money trial
Donald Trump’s fixer-turned-foe returns to the witness stand Tuesday for a bruising round of questioning from the former president’s lawyers.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Risks of handcuffing someone facedown long known; people die when police training fails to keep up
For decades, police across the United States have been warned that the common tactic of handcuffing someone facedown could turn deadly if officers pin them on the ground with too much pressure or for too long.
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.