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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.