Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered outside the B.C. premier's office in Vancouver to call for his resignation and protest the province's new health act.
Protesters congregated outside of Premier David Eby's office, located at 2909 W Broadway in Kitsilano at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Members of multiple anti-vaccine, anti-government, and anti-media groups attended the rally, including members of Stand United. Many of them are waving flags and holding signs.
Demonstrators are standing on both sides of Broadway between MacKenzie and Bayswater streets. Traffic is down to two lanes but moving in both directions.
Multiple speakers have spoken about what they say is "coronavirus disinformation," including what they claim are risks associated with COVID-19 vaccines. When one of the doctors went up to speak, there were chants of "Hero! Hero! Hero!" throughout the crowd.
There is also an individual in a tiger suit giving free hugs.
Several information booths are distributing information about Bill 36, titled the Health Professions and Occupations Act. Many of them say the provincial government has too much power over health-care professionals, including control of board appointments for regulatory colleges and imposing mandatory vaccinations. (Section 200 (2)(c) states “the minister may make regulations requiring applicants and regulated health service providers to do one or more of the following: be vaccinated against specified transmissible illnesses.”)
Elections BC has approved a recall petition against Eby, also the Vancouver-Point Grey MLA, by political campaigner Salvatore Vetro.
About a dozen Vancouver Police Department officers are at the scene and Const. Tania Visintin tells V.I.A. that the protest has been peaceful.
With files from Graeme Wood
