New legislation has been introduced in the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly to prevent protests around hospitals. 

"Patients and families deserve to be able to access health services safely and without facing interference or intimidation," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "This provision will also support our hospitals and staff in providing health services with safety, dignity and privacy." 

The amendments, which are being made to the Public Health Act, create and enforce safe access zones around hospitals to protect patients and health care providers from harassment. The 50-metre safe zones are intended to create a buffer for those who are going into the facilities. 

The move came after what Merriman described as aggressive anti-COVID protests outside health facilities in the province. 

Labour picketing will still be allowed within the safe access zone. The provision in the legislation is set to expire two years after it comes into force. 

While the motion was greeted with support by the opposition NDP, they do want to go through the specifics of the legislation, according to NDP Leader Ryan Meili. His party had originally called for the safe access zones in September. 

Meili stated he wanted to see the protections extended to more facilities, including anywhere people are accessing medical care. He also questioned the sunset clause on the changes. 

“I think we should be looking very closely at why would this be a temporary measure. The pandemic, we hope to see end soon, (but) respecting health-care workers and patients is something I think should be a permanent change,” said Meili. 

The legislation will also enable additional immunizers to support vaccination programs, including influenza vaccine, COVID-19 boosters and vaccines for children aged five to 11.