Thousands protest vaccine passports in B.C.

On Wednesday, thousands of B.C. residents took to the streets in an outpouring of contempt for vaccine passports, vaccine mandates, and mask policies.

Massive crowds amassed and marched on the B.C. legislature and various hospitals across the province, including hospitals in Vancouver, Kelowna, Kamloops, Victoria, Prince George, and Nanaimo General Hospital.

The B.C. government’s vaccine passport announcement on August 23 triggered the protest. The vaccine passports require certain government employees, such as healthcare workers, to receive vaccines to continue working and require residents to be vaccinated to use or attend several non-essential services, including gyms, restaurants, most events, and bars.

Crowds of people opposed to a COVID-19 vaccine passport system rallied outside of hospitals across B.C. on Wednesday. Our @evacsenge was on the ground in Vancouver and has more on who was at the protest. pic.twitter.com/Tb2WLCkELM

— CBC British Columbia (@cbcnewsbc) September 2, 2021

LIVE: Live look at #Kelowna General Hospital. At least 1,000 people have gathered to #protest against mandatory vaccination mandates for BC.@GlobalBC @GlobalBC pic.twitter.com/D9WH9p6nt6

— Darrian Matassa-Fung (@darrianmf_gbl) September 1, 2021

Common among protesters were songs calling on the government to stop the “tyranny,” “stand up for freedom,” and general calls to end every restriction put into place over the last year and a half, with many protesters believing the entire pandemic is a sad excuse for government control.

“It’s forced Natzi-ism; it’s tyranny. Where’s the freedom of choice?” said Bill Wollam.

“I don’t believe in masks or lockdowns. I believe in fresh air, sunshine, vitamin D, [and] good food. I didn’t take the vaccine. I haven’t been sick for three years.”

According to Island Health President and CEO Kathy MacNeil, “Members of Island Health care teams were verbally abused as they came and left work during these protests, and in at least one case, a healthcare team member was physically assaulted.

“What happened to our healthcare teams today is not acceptable to me nor to the people and communities they serve. Our healthcare teams deserve respect and support, no matter what personal beliefs we hold.

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart was angry with protesters, saying that protesters should “go the hell home.”

I'm proud that #Vancouver is leading on #COVID19 vaccines with >90% having at least 1 shot.

It's saving lives.

So when I see folks blocking healthcare workers who are working flat out to save people dying of COVID, it makes me sick.

Go the hell home. #vanpoli https://t.co/B9SAGqIC1u

— Kennedy Stewart (@kennedystewart) September 1, 2021

Ambulance with flashing lights makes it was through anti-vaxx protestors at Vancouver City Hall. 12th and Cambie is an essential route for emergeny vehicles. @CKNW @GlobalBC pic.twitter.com/bZmQsx8eqm

— claire allen (@imclaireallen) September 1, 2021

Stewart later talked to CBC, reiterating his sentiments, “I don’t care what group they come from, they’re just a bunch of jerks, and they should stay the hell home.”

Spoke to Vancouver Mayor @KennedyStewart about today's protests: "I don't care what group they come from, they're just a bunch of jerks and they should stay the hell home." Says he's angry health-care workers were targeted by these 'kooks.' @cbcnewsbc #vanpoli #bcpoli #bcleg #cbc pic.twitter.com/CTyiTvluSL

— Tanya Fletcher (@CBCtanya) September 2, 2021

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