An amendment to legislation that creates a safe access zone or “bubble” around Saskatchewan hospitals has been passed.
Changes to the The Public Health (Safe Access to Hospitals) Amendment Act, 2021 were introduced in the Saskatchewan Legislature two weeks ago (Nov. 10).
Any protests near hospitals must now be outside of a 50-metre perimeter to ensure healthcare workers, patients and families aren’t delayed or harassed.
The provincial government notes the safe access portion of the legislation, which doesn’t apply to lawful labour picketing, will expire in two years.
This change comes after a number of anti-vaccine and anti-public health measure demonstrations at hospitals.
The legislation also enables additional immunizers to assist with vaccination programs, including influenza vaccine, COVID-19 boosters and vaccines for children aged 5-11.