The Nova Scotia government is taking steps to stop people from protesting outside the homes of senior health officials.
The Tories submitted their intention to expand an existing law that will protect provincial health officials and members of their families from harassment and intimidation by establishing a safe zone around their private residences.
It comes after protesters showed up at Dr. Robert Strang’s house on Sunday night. They were protesting his decision to extend mask use in schools until mid-April.
“Nova Scotians have a right to protest, but protesters cannot be allowed to harass, intimidate or stalk people in their own homes. That is unacceptable,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Brad Johns. “This legislation protects the people making important public health decisions on behalf of all Nova Scotians – and their families.”
The amendments expand on legislation introduced last fall to ensure patients and health service providers access to or provision of health services at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
The legislation established a 50-metre access or safe zone – a bubble – around hospitals and clinics. The law also applies to patients receiving care in their homes.
The amendments will expand the definition of “health service facility” to include private residences of health service providers. The amendments will also expand the definition of “health service provider” to include senior officials and other executive decision-makers in the health sector.
The legislation will come into effect when it’s passed in the next few weeks.
Fines will range from $5,000 for individuals to $100,000 for corporations
