‘It’s unacceptable’: Horgan condemns protesters who verbally attacked Victoria health worker

BC’s premier is condemning the actions of some health mandate protesters after they verbally attacked an Island Health care provider over the weekend.

“It’s just not acceptable,” John Horgan said when asked about the incident during a Thursday press briefing.

“I think I speak for all British Columbians [with] profound regret that there’s that level of stupidity in some of our fellow citizens.”

On February 12th, the Island Health staff member was called to a patient’s James Bay home near BC’s Legislature in Victoria, driving a fleet vehicle stamped with the health authority’s logo.

Multiple protesters allegedly yelled obscenities at the health worker as protest vehicles made it difficult for them to pass through.

“Our care providers should not have to face this unacceptable behaviour when they are fulfilling their roles,” Island Health said in a statement to Victoria Buzz.

“Their focus should be on the wellbeing of the people they are caring for, not worrying about their own safety.”

Horgan echoed those comments, recalling his cancer diagnosis and his own hospital stays that left him praising healthcare workers—many of whom he finds evidently tired.

“As you know, I have been through the healthcare system very intensely over the past number of months. The last thing these heroes need, quite frankly, is thuggery and belligerence,” Horgan added.

Saturday’s incident has since prompted Island Health to make changes to its service delivery protocols, which includes staff now using vehicles without logos in “certain situations.”

They’re also encouraged to travel in groups when possible and request VicPD escorts if they feel unsafe, according to the health authority.

Another “Freedom Convoy” protest is slated to take place in downtown Victoria this Saturday.