Kristen Nagle and Sarah Choujounian have both long been active in the protests against public-health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and were present at a rally in Washington on Jan. 6, the same day that pro-Donald Trump agitators stormed the Capitol building
Author of the article: Tyler Dawson
Publishing date:Sep 12, 2021 •
Sarah Choujounian and Kristen Nagle
Cross-country protests rejecting vaccine passports and COVID-19 public health measures are planned for Monday, a series of demonstrations by a group that features among its organizers two Ontario nurses who travelled to Washington on the day of the infamous Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol building.
The protests, scheduled for cities from Victoria to St. John’s and organized by a group calling itself Canadian Frontline Nurses, echo those that have rippled across Canada in recent weeks in response to government announcements that they would initiate some variety of vaccine passport system, which would limit the access unvaccinated Canadians have to public spaces.
Kristen Nagle and Sarah Choujounian, two of the organizers for the group, have both long been active in the protests against public-health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and were present at a rally in Washington on Jan. 6, the same day that pro-Donald Trump agitators stormed the Capitol building.
In November 2020, Nagle was charged for organizing rallies in violation of Ontario’s public health measures. She was, according to news reports at the time, put on paid leave from her job at the London Health Sciences Centre for actions “not aligned” with her employer’s values. An investigation into her conduct wrapped up by mid-January 2021, and she was fired.
“Kristen is passionate about children’s health and empowering families to trust their bodies and immune systems, to support and not suppress symptoms and to live a more natural life in harmony with the Earth with full body sovereignty,” says her bio on the group’s website.
Choujounian was the founder of Nurses Against Lockdowns, which has since merged with Canadian Frontline Nurses. She has, according to her bio on the group’s website, been fired from both her nursing jobs in Ontario.
Both women travelled to Washington last January for a rally organized by Global Frontline Nurses, an organization that claims there is no evidence that social distancing is helpful in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and that “lockdowns do not work,” both positions widely disputed by public-health experts.
Sarah Choujounian, co-founder of Canadian Frontline Nurses, speaks at the North Bay ‘Freedom Rally,’ Monday.
In Washington, Choujounian said she was fired from her nursing job for posting online about her beliefs about lockdowns, and said restrictions on visiting nursing homes are “crimes against humanity.”
Choujounian and Nagle are also both under investigation by the College of Nurses of Ontario for their conduct. The college did not respond to a request for comment on Sunday.
The Post reached out to Canadian Frontline Nurses for comment on Sunday, but the organization did not respond by press time.
There have been protests around the country relating to vaccine passports in recent weeks, reinvigorating a movement that had, previously, held rallies across the country condemning mask mandates and lockdown measures taken in many provinces to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Last week, the Canadian Nursing Association issued a strongly worded statement condemning the protests, saying the protests “have stunned and saddened exhausted health-care workers.”
“The reckless views of a handful of discredited people who identify as nurses have aligned in some cases with angry crowds who are putting public health and safety at risk,” said a statement. “Their outlandish assertions about science would be laughable were they not so dangerous.”
In Washington, Choujounian said she was fired from her nursing job for posting online about her beliefs about lockdowns, and said restrictions on visiting nursing homes are “crimes against humanity.”
Choujounian and Nagle are also both under investigation by the College of Nurses of Ontario for their conduct. The college did not respond to a request for comment on Sunday.
The Post reached out to Canadian Frontline Nurses for comment on Sunday, but the organization did not respond by press time.
There have been protests around the country relating to vaccine passports in recent weeks, reinvigorating a movement that had, previously, held rallies across the country condemning mask mandates and lockdown measures taken in many provinces to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Last week, the Canadian Nursing Association issued a strongly worded statement condemning the protests, saying the protests “have stunned and saddened exhausted health-care workers.”
“The reckless views of a handful of discredited people who identify as nurses have aligned in some cases with angry crowds who are putting public health and safety at risk,” said a statement. “Their outlandish assertions about science would be laughable were they not so dangerous.”
Kristen Nagle PHOTO BY FILE
On Sunday, Toronto Mayor John Tory also came out against the protests, saying on Twitter “We all have a right to protest but abusing that right in order to harass people outside a hospital and spread misinformation about vaccines in the middle of the pandemic is unacceptable and beyond the pale.”
News reports from across the country detail verbal and physical abuse from protesters during the last major round of protests, including reports that ambulances and patients struggled to get through thousands of demonstrators to get into hospitals.
On Sunday, Alberta Health Services said it is planning for the “increased” presence of protective services and police around the hospital when the protests occur Monday in order to “support staff and patients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital to feel safe when entering or leaving the hospital tomorrow.”
Monday’s protest, according to a Canadian Frontline Nurses Facebook post, are “more of a silent vigil where healthcare professionals and the general public are welcome to show their support for those against medical tyranny and to pay tribute to those affected by the measures put in place since last year.”
The protests have escalated to the extent that the presidents of the Ontario Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association penned a joint statement earlier this month saying the protests are “precluding access to much needed health care settings and demoralizing health care workers.”
“The health care workers who have worked tirelessly for months on end are being bullied and harassed for doing their jobs. This is wrong and unacceptable – full stop,” the statement said.
With files from Tom Blackwell and The Canadian Press.
On Sunday, Toronto Mayor John Tory also came out against the protests, saying on Twitter “We all have a right to protest but abusing that right in order to harass people outside a hospital and spread misinformation about vaccines in the middle of the pandemic is unacceptable and beyond the pale.”
News reports from across the country detail verbal and physical abuse from protesters during the last major round of protests, including reports that ambulances and patients struggled to get through thousands of demonstrators to get into hospitals.
On Sunday, Alberta Health Services said it is planning for the “increased” presence of protective services and police around the hospital when the protests occur Monday in order to “support staff and patients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital to feel safe when entering or leaving the hospital tomorrow.”
Monday’s protest, according to a Canadian Frontline Nurses Facebook post, are “more of a silent vigil where healthcare professionals and the general public are welcome to show their support for those against medical tyranny and to pay tribute to those affected by the measures put in place since last year.”
The protests have escalated to the extent that the presidents of the Ontario Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association penned a joint statement earlier this month saying the protests are “precluding access to much needed health care settings and demoralizing health care workers.”
“The health care workers who have worked tirelessly for months on end are being bullied and harassed for doing their jobs. This is wrong and unacceptable – full stop,” the statement said.
With files from Tom Blackwell and The Canadian Press.
Nurses’ union in N.S. condemns ‘anti-science’ protest planned at Halifax hospital
The Nova Scotia Nurses' Union says it does not endorse the actions of an organization calling itself "Canadian Frontline Nurses," which has a number of protests planned at hospitals across the country on Monday to oppose COVID-19 measures and vaccine mandates.
One of them is at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. The aim of the event is to "stand together again for informed consent and medical freedom," according to a Facebook page created for the event.
Read more: Warnings issued ahead of expected protests at hospitals across Canada
In a statement posted to the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union Facebook page, the union said it was not part of this group and does not endorse their views.
"This group has drawn in anti-science, anti-mask, anti-vaccine and anti-public health followers whose beliefs align with theirs," it said.
"Throughout the pandemic, NSNU has stood on the side of science. We have advocated for evidence-based public health measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, masking and vaccination."
The NSNU statement stressed that it does not want Monday's protests to be confused with the Day of Action planned by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and other nursing unions across the country on Sept. 17 to raise awareness for the nursing crisis ahead of the federal election.
In recent weeks, "Canadian Frontline Nurses" — whose organizers include an Ontario nurse fired for attending lockdown rallies in the U.S. and a B.C. doctor who claimed in October 2020 that there would be no second wave and that COVID-19 was no worse than a seasonal flu — has helped organize and promote anti-vax rallies at hospitals in Canada where health-care workers were harassed and people seeking treatment were caused further stress.
Read more: ‘Shame on them’: Family at VGH for treatment blasts hospital protesters
The event in Halifax Monday aims to be a "peaceful and silent demonstration of support for health care workers and all others who are speaking up or walking out facing ultimatums as consequences to their personal health choices," the event page said.
Video: Backlash and anger after anti-vaccine protestors target B.C. hospitals
Protests are also planned at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, the Toronto General Hospital, Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.
Read more: COVID-19 anti-vax protests causing ‘moral injury’ to hospital workers
The NSNU statement said while it's "unfortunate" that the group is taking attention away from Canada's vaccination efforts, "the vast majority of nurses know the devastating effects of COVID-19 and understand that the only way out of this pandemic is through social distancing, masking, good hand hygiene, vaccination and following science-based public health directives."
'Disappointing and disheartening'
In a statement, Nova Scotia Health said it was aware of the planned protest and said there will be added security for the safety of patients, staff, physicians and volunteers.
"It is disappointing and disheartening to know this may happen, given the hard work of health care workers over the last year and a half," it said.
"Protesting at hospitals will further contribute to the stress and fatigue of our teams and we respectfully ask that protestors reconsider or choose a more appropriate location."
It said they expect anyone attending the protest to allow patients and families to access care, and allow staff and physicians to get to work.
In an email, Halifax Regional Police spokesperson John MacLeod said police are "aware of the situation and we respect the public's right to peacefully protest."
"We expect that they will respect the rights of others who need to use those facilities," he said. "We don’t comment on our operational deployments but I can tell you that we will be monitoring the protest to ensure everyone’s safety."
The Nova Scotia Nurses' Union says it does not endorse the actions of an organization calling itself "Canadian Frontline Nurses," which has a number of protests planned at hospitals across the country on Monday to oppose COVID-19 measures and vaccine mandates.
© Steve Silva / Global News The emergency department at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre.
Alex Cooke 13 hrs ago
One of them is at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. The aim of the event is to "stand together again for informed consent and medical freedom," according to a Facebook page created for the event.
Read more: Warnings issued ahead of expected protests at hospitals across Canada
In a statement posted to the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union Facebook page, the union said it was not part of this group and does not endorse their views.
"This group has drawn in anti-science, anti-mask, anti-vaccine and anti-public health followers whose beliefs align with theirs," it said.
"Throughout the pandemic, NSNU has stood on the side of science. We have advocated for evidence-based public health measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, masking and vaccination."
The NSNU statement stressed that it does not want Monday's protests to be confused with the Day of Action planned by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and other nursing unions across the country on Sept. 17 to raise awareness for the nursing crisis ahead of the federal election.
In recent weeks, "Canadian Frontline Nurses" — whose organizers include an Ontario nurse fired for attending lockdown rallies in the U.S. and a B.C. doctor who claimed in October 2020 that there would be no second wave and that COVID-19 was no worse than a seasonal flu — has helped organize and promote anti-vax rallies at hospitals in Canada where health-care workers were harassed and people seeking treatment were caused further stress.
Read more: ‘Shame on them’: Family at VGH for treatment blasts hospital protesters
The event in Halifax Monday aims to be a "peaceful and silent demonstration of support for health care workers and all others who are speaking up or walking out facing ultimatums as consequences to their personal health choices," the event page said.
Video: Backlash and anger after anti-vaccine protestors target B.C. hospitals
Protests are also planned at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, the Toronto General Hospital, Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.
Read more: COVID-19 anti-vax protests causing ‘moral injury’ to hospital workers
The NSNU statement said while it's "unfortunate" that the group is taking attention away from Canada's vaccination efforts, "the vast majority of nurses know the devastating effects of COVID-19 and understand that the only way out of this pandemic is through social distancing, masking, good hand hygiene, vaccination and following science-based public health directives."
'Disappointing and disheartening'
In a statement, Nova Scotia Health said it was aware of the planned protest and said there will be added security for the safety of patients, staff, physicians and volunteers.
"It is disappointing and disheartening to know this may happen, given the hard work of health care workers over the last year and a half," it said.
"Protesting at hospitals will further contribute to the stress and fatigue of our teams and we respectfully ask that protestors reconsider or choose a more appropriate location."
It said they expect anyone attending the protest to allow patients and families to access care, and allow staff and physicians to get to work.
In an email, Halifax Regional Police spokesperson John MacLeod said police are "aware of the situation and we respect the public's right to peacefully protest."
"We expect that they will respect the rights of others who need to use those facilities," he said. "We don’t comment on our operational deployments but I can tell you that we will be monitoring the protest to ensure everyone’s safety."
Approximately 1,500 attend Calgary rally against vaccine mandates
The group is planning to host protests outside hospitals across Canada Monday, including at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary
Author of the article: Newsroom Staff
Publishing date: Sep 12, 2021 •
Hundreds came out for the Frontline for Freedom rally and walk at Olympic Plaza in Calgary on Sunday, September 12, 2021.
PHOTO BY DARREN MAKOWICHUK/POSTMEDIA
An estimated 1,500 people attended a rally in downtown Calgary on Sunday afternoon to denounce COVID-19 vaccine mandates, including those announced by the City of Calgary and Alberta Health Services in recent weeks.
Organizers called the demonstration the “Frontline for Freedom” rally, saying attendees were standing with firefighters, health-care workers, police and other front-line workers.
Attendees met at city hall, where several people gave speeches before demonstrators completed a short march through downtown.
One attendee was Blake Williard, who identified himself as a retired Calgary firefighter. He said he hopes organizations that impose vaccine mandates lose business, and said he doubted the severity of the pandemic.
“If the people who are putting on these events want vaccine passports, then I hope that they don’t have very many people in the stands,” he said.
Since the start of the pandemic, 2,444 Albertans have died of COVID-19.
Passerby Lynn Freemantle said she is fully immunized against the novel coronavirus. She said seeing people marching in the streets espousing anti-vaccine sentiments angered her.
“I say to these people, what are you going to do when you get sick and there is no health care out there because of what you have done?” Freemantle asked.
“My responsibility is wearing this mask so if I’m a carrier, I’m not going to pass it on. It’s called loving your neighbour. It’s called being a part of society.”
An estimated 1,500 people attended a rally in downtown Calgary on Sunday afternoon to denounce COVID-19 vaccine mandates, including those announced by the City of Calgary and Alberta Health Services in recent weeks.
Organizers called the demonstration the “Frontline for Freedom” rally, saying attendees were standing with firefighters, health-care workers, police and other front-line workers.
Attendees met at city hall, where several people gave speeches before demonstrators completed a short march through downtown.
One attendee was Blake Williard, who identified himself as a retired Calgary firefighter. He said he hopes organizations that impose vaccine mandates lose business, and said he doubted the severity of the pandemic.
“If the people who are putting on these events want vaccine passports, then I hope that they don’t have very many people in the stands,” he said.
Since the start of the pandemic, 2,444 Albertans have died of COVID-19.
Passerby Lynn Freemantle said she is fully immunized against the novel coronavirus. She said seeing people marching in the streets espousing anti-vaccine sentiments angered her.
“I say to these people, what are you going to do when you get sick and there is no health care out there because of what you have done?” Freemantle asked.
“My responsibility is wearing this mask so if I’m a carrier, I’m not going to pass it on. It’s called loving your neighbour. It’s called being a part of society.”
The rally was spearheaded by Canadian Frontline Nurses, a group whose organizers include two former Ontario nurses who attended the Jan. 6 riots at the United States Capitol.
The group is planning to host protests outside hospitals across Canada on Monday, including at Foothills Hospital in Calgary and the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. AHS told the National Post on Sunday they are planning for an increased police presence for the rallies.
On Wednesday, about 200 anti-vaccine mandate protesters gathered at Foothills Hospital, leading AHS president and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu to condemn their actions.
“I am aware of instances where AHS employees were yelled at and subjected to harassment. Some did not feel safe walking to and from their workplace,” Yiu said following the protest.
In the wake of anti-vaccine rallies at hospitals across the country, the Canadian Nurses Association said the demonstrators put public health and safety at risk.
“These protests have stunned and saddened exhausted health-care workers,” a statement from the group read.
“They are demoralizing, infuriating and dangerous. The situation is completely unacceptable, and it must stop immediately.”
— With files from Brendan Miller and the National Post
Protesters in Calgary, Edmonton oppose mandatory vaccinations
Hundreds attended a rally at Calgary's Olympic Plaza on Sunday afternoon, protesting mandatory vaccination policies.
Hundreds attended a rally at Calgary's Olympic Plaza on Sunday afternoon, protesting mandatory vaccination policies.
© Carolyn Kury de Castillo/Global News
Protesters opposed to mandatory vaccinations gather at Olympic Plaza on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021.
Earlier this month, the City of Calgary announced that workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 1.
Alberta Health Services is also requiring all of its employees and contracted health-care providers to be fully immunized.
Lindsay Perry went to the rally to support her sister, who is a nurse and has chosen not to be vaccinated.
"She is facing being disciplined, laid off possibly or put on unpaid leave for her choice to do what she feels is right for her body," Perry said.
Another rally opposing mandatory vaccination was held on Tuesday at city hall. In anticipation of Sunday's rally, Calgary's fire chief said he had requested that the firefighters memorial at city hall be cordoned off from the protest.
Read more: Calgary fire chief concerned about firefighters protesting COVID-19 vaccine: ‘Trust is eroding’
"This, to me, is one of the greatest insults that anybody could make towards police officers or firefighters who have given their lives to defend their country or their cities. This is wrong," said retired RCMP officer Clay Farnsworth.
He was at the rally speaking on behalf of Police on Guard for Thee, a group of retired and active duty peace officers looking to see an end to what they call unconstitutional public health orders.
"I can't fathom being a policeman in uniform today or a first responder for that matter. Everyone has the right to their body autonomy," Farnsworth said.
Read more: Unvaccinated Calgary firefighters or police ‘completely unacceptable’: Woolley
The City of Calgary said employees who can't get the vaccine for medical reasons or due to an exemption under protected grounds will be accommodated. But those who refuse to get the shots without a valid reason could face discipline, including dismissal.
On social media, the Calgary Firefighters Association said it is concerned about groups who have been actively protesting public health measures that have been referencing the support of firefighters and other first responders.
The CFA said vaccinations are a vital part of keeping the public safe, noting that 85 per cent of members are vaccinated.
"The whole issue comes down to freedom of choice and conscientious objection, and we should still have that right regardless of who you work for," said retired Calgary firefighter Allan Vandersteen, who was at the rally on Sunday.
"You have divisions now, and this can't get any worse. I think people should stand down and be reasonable and respect each other's opinion."
Coun. Shane Keating points to recent Alberta numbers that show 92 per cent of ICU patients were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
"The last thing you need is a front-line worker who is unvaccinated coming to your aid," Keating said.
"This whole aspect of freedom is so overblown in my view. It overshadows the good that would be done if you were to get your vaccinations."
As of Monday, Sept. 13, city employees will be required to disclose and provide proof of their vaccination status or grounds for exemption. Unvaccinated staff members without an exemption require their first dose by this date.
Roughly 400 people gathered for the Frontline for Freedom rally in Edmonton on Sunday.
The event was at least partly comprised of first responders and health-care workers, also calling for freedom of choice when it comes to masking and vaccinations.
Earlier this month, the City of Calgary announced that workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 1.
Alberta Health Services is also requiring all of its employees and contracted health-care providers to be fully immunized.
Lindsay Perry went to the rally to support her sister, who is a nurse and has chosen not to be vaccinated.
"She is facing being disciplined, laid off possibly or put on unpaid leave for her choice to do what she feels is right for her body," Perry said.
Another rally opposing mandatory vaccination was held on Tuesday at city hall. In anticipation of Sunday's rally, Calgary's fire chief said he had requested that the firefighters memorial at city hall be cordoned off from the protest.
Read more: Calgary fire chief concerned about firefighters protesting COVID-19 vaccine: ‘Trust is eroding’
"This, to me, is one of the greatest insults that anybody could make towards police officers or firefighters who have given their lives to defend their country or their cities. This is wrong," said retired RCMP officer Clay Farnsworth.
He was at the rally speaking on behalf of Police on Guard for Thee, a group of retired and active duty peace officers looking to see an end to what they call unconstitutional public health orders.
"I can't fathom being a policeman in uniform today or a first responder for that matter. Everyone has the right to their body autonomy," Farnsworth said.
Read more: Unvaccinated Calgary firefighters or police ‘completely unacceptable’: Woolley
The City of Calgary said employees who can't get the vaccine for medical reasons or due to an exemption under protected grounds will be accommodated. But those who refuse to get the shots without a valid reason could face discipline, including dismissal.
On social media, the Calgary Firefighters Association said it is concerned about groups who have been actively protesting public health measures that have been referencing the support of firefighters and other first responders.
The CFA said vaccinations are a vital part of keeping the public safe, noting that 85 per cent of members are vaccinated.
"The whole issue comes down to freedom of choice and conscientious objection, and we should still have that right regardless of who you work for," said retired Calgary firefighter Allan Vandersteen, who was at the rally on Sunday.
"You have divisions now, and this can't get any worse. I think people should stand down and be reasonable and respect each other's opinion."
Coun. Shane Keating points to recent Alberta numbers that show 92 per cent of ICU patients were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
"The last thing you need is a front-line worker who is unvaccinated coming to your aid," Keating said.
"This whole aspect of freedom is so overblown in my view. It overshadows the good that would be done if you were to get your vaccinations."
As of Monday, Sept. 13, city employees will be required to disclose and provide proof of their vaccination status or grounds for exemption. Unvaccinated staff members without an exemption require their first dose by this date.
Roughly 400 people gathered for the Frontline for Freedom rally in Edmonton on Sunday.
The event was at least partly comprised of first responders and health-care workers, also calling for freedom of choice when it comes to masking and vaccinations.
ARREST AND QUARANTINE THEM
Hospital says protests against pandemic measures 'demoralizing' for health-care staff
Hospital says protests against pandemic measures 'demoralizing' for health-care staff
THESE ARE FASCISTS AND TERRORISTS
TORONTO — A Toronto hospital where protesters denouncing COVID-19 measures rallied Monday afternoon said such demonstrations are demoralizing for health-care workers who have cared for patients infected with the virus despite the risk to themselves and their families.
TORONTO — A Toronto hospital where protesters denouncing COVID-19 measures rallied Monday afternoon said such demonstrations are demoralizing for health-care workers who have cared for patients infected with the virus despite the risk to themselves and their families.
© Provided by The Canadian Press
The University Health Network, which runs Toronto General Hospital, made the comments in a statement ahead of a number of protests expected to take place at hospitals across Canada on Monday.
"Vaccinations offer the best chance of preventing hospitalizations, admissions to ICUs and ventilations to preserve life," the hospital network said.
"To see protests in front of hospitals is demoralizing for all who work here but particularly for the staff who have cared for the people dying of COVID-19, often without all of their family and loved ones around them."
New Lung Training Device Is Going ViralSEE MORESponsored by AIRPHYSIO
That sentiment was echoed by some doctors who stood outside the facility as a crowd of protesters gathered nearby.
Dr. Andrew Boozary, the executive director of social medicine at the University Health Network, said the event "feels like a moral gut punch" for those in a health-care system already grappling with burnout due to the pandemic.
"To block and intimidate people coming in for care, it just hits heavy at times," Boozary said. "I think we just have to remind ourselves this is a very small, vocal minority."
Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the hospital Monday afternoon, many of them condemning Ontario's proof-of-vaccination system, which is scheduled to take effect next week. Several police officers were also present.
An organization calling itself Canadian Frontline Nurses posted notices of "silent vigils" expected to take place in all 10 provinces, saying they're meant to critique public health measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Prospective locations also include the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.
Organizers say they want to take a stand against what they call "tyrannical measures and government overreach," adding that they are not encouraging nurses to walk out on their shifts or abandon patients.
Some high-ranking Ontario politicians and prominent health-care organizations have also issued warnings regarding the events.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province was among those targeted by similar past protests after he announced plans for a proof-of-vaccine system, condemned the latest round on Sunday in a tweet describing such events as "selfish, cowardly and reckless."
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and Ontario Medical Association issued a joint statement "strongly condemning" the planned disruptions and calling for designated safe zones around health-care facilities to protect staff and patients -- a proposal the province's New Democrats have also floated.
"Nurses, doctors and other health-care workers have been working around the clock on the front lines of the pandemic for 18 months helping to keep our communities safe," Sunday's joint statement reads. "These COVID-19 heroes need the resources and supports to continue the battle – now in the thick of a fourth wave. They cannot and must not be distracted, or worse, discouraged by protests at the doorsteps of their workplaces."
Toronto Mayor John Tory also took to social media to condemn the protests planned for some city hospitals, adding he's been in contact with the local police chief about the events and received assurances that staff would be protected and patients could access the buildings.
"I support police in taking whatever action is necessary to protect the lives of innocent people seeking medical care and all of our healthcare heroes," Tory wrote on Twitter. "We have long passed the time when we can have this tyranny of a few interfere with access to healthcare during a pandemic."
Some federal party leaders also addressed the planned demonstrations while out on the hustings.
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau vowed to bring in legislation that would make it a crime to obstruct access to any building providing health care, or to intimidate or threated health-care workers carrying out their duties as well as any patient receiving that care.
“I am deeply disturbed by anti-vaxxer gatherings outside of hospitals and health care sites in the last few weeks,” Trudeau said in a statement Monday.
“These people are intimidating our health care heroes and putting Canadians seeking health services at risk. I will not accept this."
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole said peaceful protest is one thing, harassing people accessing and working in health care is another.
"This type of harassment and protest in front of hospitals is completely unacceptable," he said during a campaign event in Ottawa.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said it is wrong to protest at hospitals.
"No health-care worker, no patient, no one seeking health care should in any way be limited or have a barrier to getting the care they need," he said while campaigning in Sioux Lookout, Ont.
Past protests have centred on both public health measures and the prospect of proof-of-vaccination systems that would limit access to many public settings for those who have not been immunized against COVID-19.
British Columbia's system takes effect on Monday, while Ontario's is set to launch on Sept. 22.
Quebec's rolled out earlier this month, Manitoba began issuing vaccine cards in June, and both Nova Scotia and Yukon have said proof-of-vaccination systems are in the works.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2021.
--With files from Mia Rabson and Allison Jones
Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
The University Health Network, which runs Toronto General Hospital, made the comments in a statement ahead of a number of protests expected to take place at hospitals across Canada on Monday.
"Vaccinations offer the best chance of preventing hospitalizations, admissions to ICUs and ventilations to preserve life," the hospital network said.
"To see protests in front of hospitals is demoralizing for all who work here but particularly for the staff who have cared for the people dying of COVID-19, often without all of their family and loved ones around them."
New Lung Training Device Is Going ViralSEE MORESponsored by AIRPHYSIO
That sentiment was echoed by some doctors who stood outside the facility as a crowd of protesters gathered nearby.
Dr. Andrew Boozary, the executive director of social medicine at the University Health Network, said the event "feels like a moral gut punch" for those in a health-care system already grappling with burnout due to the pandemic.
"To block and intimidate people coming in for care, it just hits heavy at times," Boozary said. "I think we just have to remind ourselves this is a very small, vocal minority."
Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the hospital Monday afternoon, many of them condemning Ontario's proof-of-vaccination system, which is scheduled to take effect next week. Several police officers were also present.
An organization calling itself Canadian Frontline Nurses posted notices of "silent vigils" expected to take place in all 10 provinces, saying they're meant to critique public health measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Prospective locations also include the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.
Organizers say they want to take a stand against what they call "tyrannical measures and government overreach," adding that they are not encouraging nurses to walk out on their shifts or abandon patients.
Some high-ranking Ontario politicians and prominent health-care organizations have also issued warnings regarding the events.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province was among those targeted by similar past protests after he announced plans for a proof-of-vaccine system, condemned the latest round on Sunday in a tweet describing such events as "selfish, cowardly and reckless."
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and Ontario Medical Association issued a joint statement "strongly condemning" the planned disruptions and calling for designated safe zones around health-care facilities to protect staff and patients -- a proposal the province's New Democrats have also floated.
"Nurses, doctors and other health-care workers have been working around the clock on the front lines of the pandemic for 18 months helping to keep our communities safe," Sunday's joint statement reads. "These COVID-19 heroes need the resources and supports to continue the battle – now in the thick of a fourth wave. They cannot and must not be distracted, or worse, discouraged by protests at the doorsteps of their workplaces."
Toronto Mayor John Tory also took to social media to condemn the protests planned for some city hospitals, adding he's been in contact with the local police chief about the events and received assurances that staff would be protected and patients could access the buildings.
"I support police in taking whatever action is necessary to protect the lives of innocent people seeking medical care and all of our healthcare heroes," Tory wrote on Twitter. "We have long passed the time when we can have this tyranny of a few interfere with access to healthcare during a pandemic."
Some federal party leaders also addressed the planned demonstrations while out on the hustings.
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau vowed to bring in legislation that would make it a crime to obstruct access to any building providing health care, or to intimidate or threated health-care workers carrying out their duties as well as any patient receiving that care.
“I am deeply disturbed by anti-vaxxer gatherings outside of hospitals and health care sites in the last few weeks,” Trudeau said in a statement Monday.
“These people are intimidating our health care heroes and putting Canadians seeking health services at risk. I will not accept this."
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole said peaceful protest is one thing, harassing people accessing and working in health care is another.
"This type of harassment and protest in front of hospitals is completely unacceptable," he said during a campaign event in Ottawa.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said it is wrong to protest at hospitals.
"No health-care worker, no patient, no one seeking health care should in any way be limited or have a barrier to getting the care they need," he said while campaigning in Sioux Lookout, Ont.
Past protests have centred on both public health measures and the prospect of proof-of-vaccination systems that would limit access to many public settings for those who have not been immunized against COVID-19.
British Columbia's system takes effect on Monday, while Ontario's is set to launch on Sept. 22.
Quebec's rolled out earlier this month, Manitoba began issuing vaccine cards in June, and both Nova Scotia and Yukon have said proof-of-vaccination systems are in the works.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2021.
--With files from Mia Rabson and Allison Jones
Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
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