Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. premier criticizes COVID-19 protesters

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Mar, 2022 08:10 PM
  • B.C. premier criticizes COVID-19 protesters

VICTORIA - A protest planned for around the British Columbia legislature over COVID-19 mandates has drawn sharp criticism from the province's premier.

Video posted on social media says a convoy of vehicles is on the way from Ottawa to Victoria where people are preparing to stay for months to conduct multiple rolling protests.

The video said some of the protesters could be expected in Victoria as early as Monday.

In response, Premier John Horgan said those involved need to "get a hobby" and "give their head a shake."

"Find a better way to take your energies (out) and put it to positive outcomes, that's my recommendation," he said while addressing reporters on Friday. "I'm hopeful that some of the people planning to come take that to heart and do the right thing."

B.C. lifted its mask mandate on Friday and plans to stop its COVID-19 vaccine passport program in April, although the province's top doctor said the measures could be reinstated if there is a surge in cases.

Horgan said Victoria police have learned lessons from how Ottawa's police force handled the protest and that "asking nicely" doesn't work.

Many downtown Ottawa businesses and roads were shut down or impacted by the three-week protest by a convoy of big-rig trucks and other vehicles.

Ottawa's police chief resigned amid intense criticism over how his force handled the downtown occupation, while the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act only to revoke it again when the convoy ended in a police crackdown and arrests.

"They were not met with an appropriate response," said Horgan. "I know that law enforcement in Victoria ... will encourage people to make their point and disperse. That's the normal course of action in civil disobedience.

He added that the protesters' freedom "is not greater than anyone else's."

Victoria police Chief Del Manak said in a video statement that officers have heard concerns from residents about the impact of protests and "any dangerous acts" will be met with de-escalation and enforcement.

"As (Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth) has stated, legal protests in Canada are part of our free and democratic society. Occupations are not," he said.

Horgan said citizens have a right to protest but they cannot blockade an area when they are upset.

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada sanctions 10 more Russians over Ukraine war

Canada sanctions 10 more Russians over Ukraine war
The new sanctions came on the first stop of a four-country tour of Europe, as Trudeau meets allies from across the continent to discuss and co-ordinate the West’s response to Russia’s invasion.

Canada sanctions 10 more Russians over Ukraine war

Quick thinking 13 year-old has keen instincts for safety

Quick thinking 13 year-old has keen instincts for safety
Police say the girl refused the offer made while she was walking near the Steveston United Church late yesterday afternoon. They say she refused again when man then offered money as an enticement for a ride and immediately notified her mother after she arrived home.

Quick thinking 13 year-old has keen instincts for safety

Vigil held for security guard Harmandeep Kaur killed at UBC Okanagan

Vigil held for security guard Harmandeep Kaur killed at UBC Okanagan
24 year old Harmandeep Kaur died in a Kelowna hospital after being attacked early last Saturday morning. R-C-M-P say a suspect who was also working at the university was arrested under the Mental Health Act and could face a murder charge.

Vigil held for security guard Harmandeep Kaur killed at UBC Okanagan

340 COVID19 cases for Friday

340 COVID19 cases for Friday
There are 484 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 69 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, eight new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,903.

340 COVID19 cases for Friday

Dr.Bonnie Henry and singer Michael Buble among recipients of Order of BC

Dr.Bonnie Henry and singer Michael Buble among recipients of Order of BC
Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chair for the Tsilhqot’in National Government also received the honour — the highest award B-C can bestow on a resident. Others on the list included former B-C finance minister and chancellor of Simon Fraser University, Carole Taylor, and singer Michael Buble.

Dr.Bonnie Henry and singer Michael Buble among recipients of Order of BC

Warning to seniors, be vigilant and cautious when using your bank card: North Vancouver RCMP

Warning to seniors, be vigilant and cautious when using your bank card: North Vancouver RCMP
The trend isn't new, having last appeared between the summer of 2019 and spring of 2020. However, a few new recent cases have police concerned for seniors' safety.

Warning to seniors, be vigilant and cautious when using your bank card: North Vancouver RCMP