The Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary (Photo: Jewhyte / dreamstime.com)

By Canadian Press

Anti-mandate protests

Police, security stand by; Protests planned at Alberta hospitals against COVID rules

Sep 13, 2021 | 1:05 PM

CALGARY – Alberta Health Services has strengthened its security ahead of planned protests expected to take place outside of several hospitals this afternoon against COVID-19 measures.

The health provider says in a statement posted to social media that protective services staff have been added at the sites to help patients and staff enter and exit safely.

It says fencing has been added around the hospitals to provide a “safe space” and police forces have been contacted.

The Calgary Police Service says it is working with protest organizers, who are to demonstrate outside the Foothills Medical Centre, to lay out expectations for the rally.

The force says in a statement that it will not tolerate any behaviour that hinders people from entering or leaving the hospital and will have officers there to monitor, with backup available, if needed.

Another rally is planned outside the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton Monday.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Justice Minister Kaycee Madu and Alberta Health Services have all been critical of hospital protests planned in cities across the country.

(The Canadian Press)