Health workers say existing law against intimidation isn’t strong enough: Lametti

OTTAWA — Justice Minister David Lametti says a new law to single out health care workers for special protection from intimidation and threats at work is a response to a need identified by the workers themselves.

In a committee hearing today, senators peppered Lametti with questions about why the law is needed given the Criminal Code already addresses harassment, intimidation and threats.

Sen. Vern White, a former police chief in Ottawa, says the existing laws are rarely used against protesters because prosecutors tell police there is not a likely chance of conviction.

He says nothing in the new law makes him think this will be any different by specifically singling out health care workers.