B.C. Acts To Protect Kids, School Staff From Disruptive Protests

Premier David Eby says disrupting or scaring kids while they are learning in school should be illegal. And it soon will be.

“While everyone has a right to freedom of expression, disrupting or scaring kids while they’re learning in schools should be, and soon will be, illegal,” said Eby.

“During the pandemic, when hospitals and health-care workers became the target of anti-vaccine protests, we took action so doctors and nurses could get to work and patients could access care. As schools increasingly become the target, we’re taking similar action to ensure classrooms are safe for kids.”

The proposed legislation will help protect students and staff by giving the Province the authority to prohibit behaviour that impedes access to school grounds, disrupts school programs and activities, or causes concern for physical or mental safety of students and staff.

Attorney General Niki Sharma says protests are an important way for people to express their views and advocate for change, but not at the expense of the safety of our schools.

The new law will provide police the authority to arrest or issue tickets to anyone found impeding access, disrupting educational activities or attempting to intimidate an individual within 20 metres (66 feet) of school grounds.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.