Healthcare union seeks legal advice after members injured outside leaders’ debate Monday
Posted May 20, 2022 10:26 am.
Last Updated May 20, 2022 3:29 pm.
The union representing health-care workers in Ontario has retained legal counsel and is exploring all options after two of its members were injured while demonstrating outside the provincial leaders’ debate on Monday night.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents 60,000 health-care workers, says the issue is not just about defending union members but also “the rights of people to safely protest in a free and open democracy.”
“When women and men on the frontline of care are injured at a peaceful protest, we really need to ask ourselves what is happening to our province,” SEIU president Sharleen Stewart said in a release. “We will not be intimidated as we advocate for their safety and security and a strong public healthcare system for workers and patients.”
The union says about 200 registered nurses were protesting the Ford government’s law that caps their annual salaries at one per cent per year outside the venue where the provincial leaders election debate was being held. They say two members were “met with force” as police attempted to clear a path for PC Leader Doug Ford as he exited his campaign bus to go into the debate. One nurse was pushed to the pavement while another nurse was injured after being dragged across the asphalt, according to the union.
Meanwhile before the debate nurses were being abused by Fords security detail!
Thank goodness for the cop trying to help! Shame on you @fordnation @lornecoe @PBethlenfalvy
We’ve suffered enough under your regime! https://t.co/pNwJX8sRK9— vote4womensrights (@VoterNerd) May 18, 2022
A provincial police spokesperson told CityNews individuals were attempting to block access to the facility where the debate was being held and, unlike a peaceful demonstration, blocking access is not a legal activity.
“For the safety of all present, individuals were moved aside, during which time one fell to the ground. The individual was taken to hospital for assessment and was later released.”
Police said no charges were laid in relation to the event.
Stephanie DiGiuseppe, a lawyer at Ruby Shiller Enenajor DiGiuseppe, says everyone has the right to engage in protest “without fear of retaliation or violence.”
“Police and government have a duty to ensure that nurses and their fellow Canadians can safely engage in legitimate protest activities.”
