In the wake of protests outside hospitals during the pandemic, the Government of Saskatchewan is introducing legislation it says will protect the health workforce, patients and families.

The amendments provide the ability to create and enforce safe access zones around hospitals, so that patients and health care providers are protected from harassment. A 50-metre safe access zone would prevent sidewalk protests near hospitals.

Health Minister Paul Merriman says, “Patients and families deserve to be able to access health services safely and without facing interference or intimidation.”

Lawful labour picketing will still be allowed within the safe access zones. The safe access zone provision in the legislation will expire two years after the legislation comes into force.