Covid-related protests near schools, hospitals now banned

The provincial government adopted a bill Thursday banning protests related to the COVID-19 pandemic within 50 metres of schools, daycares and health-care facilities.

The bill was introduced earlier in the day and passed unanimously after a few hours of debate.

Under the law, demonstrations of “any manner” near protected institutions are prohibited if they are related to health orders issued under the COVID -19 state of emergency, vaccination against the virus or “any other recommendation issued by public health authorities in relation to the COVID -19 pandemic.”

Adult education centres and CEGEPS were added to the list of protected places, and the government accepted an amendment specifying that the law doesn't apply to employees of protected institutions, who are allowed to protest for better working conditions.

Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault, who introduced the bill, said the law would apply to parents protesting for better ventilation in schools because that issue is related to COVID -19.

The law followed several recent protests outside Quebec schools and hospitals against COVID-19 vaccination and health orders.

In a post on Facebook Thursday morning, Premier François Legault said he understands that restricting the right to protest is a delicate matter, “but, frankly, there are limits.”

People who violate the ban can face fines of $1,000 to $6,000, with the penalty doubled if they threaten or intimidate anyone entering or leaving a protected institution. The measures outlined in the bill will expire after 30 days, but the government reserves the right to renew them while the COVID-19 state of emergency is in effect.

The sole elected Conservative MNA, Claire Samson, expressed concern about the law, saying she needed more information.

“I'm taking this very seriously, but I need some time,” Samson said, adding she was concerned the law didn't have an expiration date. Ultimately, she supported the adoption of the bill.

The bill also faced criticism from the Ligue des droits et libertés. In a statement Thursday, the civil liberties group said the law creates an “undue restriction on the right to protest,” adding that existing laws guaranteeing access to schools and hospitals are sufficient.

“Everyone can exercise their right to freedom of expression and their right to demonstrate, even if the message is unpopular,” said Catherine Descoteaux, the group's co-ordinator.