By Canadian Press

B.C. plans law allowing police to arrest or ticket over school disruptions

Apr 10, 2024 | 4:11 PM

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government has introduced legislation that it says will put in place 20-metre access zones around schools to protect students from disruptive behaviour, including aggressive protests. 

Premier David Eby says there has been at least 18 such protests at schools, and the law would stop people from blocking access, attempting to intimidate another person or disrupting school activities, such as banging on classroom windows. 

Eby says these are things that shouldn’t need law, but unfortunately the legislation is necessary.

The premier says most of the protests involved demonstrators angry about the sexual orientation and gender identity education being taught in schools. 

Attorney General Niki Sharma says while the right to peaceful protest is an important part of democracy, those activities can’t affect the safety and security of children, school staff and educators. 

vehicle damage

Over 40 vehicles damaged during late-night Nanaimo vandalism spree

5m ago

rising costs

RDN taxpayers want relief as board grapples with budget

4h ago

new mayor

Spring Mayoral by-election called in Ladysmith

17h ago

She says the legislation is an important tool to help safeguard schools and protect children from intimidation and harassment so they can feel safe to learn. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 10, 2024. 

The Canadian Press