Please see my Bill bill to create Safe Zones around Hospitals, Schools and Child Care Centres to protect frontline workers and access to vital services
October 5, 2021
TORONTO – Today, MPP Fraser will introduce his private member’s bill to create safe zones around Ontario’s hospitals, other health care facilities, schools and child care centres to protect against anti-vaccine and anti-public health protests
The Creating Safe Zones around Hospitals, Other Health Facilities, Schools and Child Care Centres Act, 2021 would, if passed, prohibit COVID-19 vaccination protests and other anti- public health measure demonstrations within 150 metres from the boundaries of these protected properties.
“In recent months, we have seen disruptive protests outside hospitals in major cities across the province, impeding access to service and demoralizing the staff that have been working tirelessly on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unacceptable and the government must step in,” said MPP John Fraser, Liberal House Leader and critic for Health and Long-Term Care
“Every Ontarian’s right to publicly funded health care and education services is sacred and must be safeguarded. This legislation is to protect against anti-vaccination and anti-public health harassment and ensure safe access for every Ontarian.”
While in a safe zone of a protected facility, including a temporary or permanent vaccination clinic, no one can attempt to advise or persuade a person against COVID-19 vaccinations, harass or impede access. Fines for a first offence would be up to $5000. If found guilty of a second similar offence, the fine could be up to $10,000. Any individual who is charged with a third subsequent offence would face additional fines and up to 6 months in jail.
The bill is time-limited and would be revoked upon the repeal of the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 or two years after the day this Act receives Royal Assent.
“Safe zones around hospitals and schools establish reasonable ground rules for those wanting to protest. Other provinces have moved to protect access to their hospitals and schools, while Doug Ford continues to waste precious time.”