NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICS SERVICE
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The Timmins Police Service has been made aware of a number of recent incidents involving menacing or threatening behaviours at COVID vaccine clinics.
Throughout the pandemic, public opinion has been varied in regards to COVID-related issues with the topic of vaccination being particularly polarizing.
While the Timmins Police Service respects any individual’s Charter-protected right to self-expression, the expression of any opinion must not breach the threshold of that which is intended to threaten, menace, or intimidate the recipient.
Healthcare professionals and volunteers who are deployed at any vaccine clinics in Timmins are fully entitled to lawful protection from any threatening utterances, gestures, or behaviour that is intended to create a hostile or menacing environment.
No matter what the point of view or frustration level that any person attending these clinics might have, an expectation of common courtesy is clear and obvious.
Those attending vaccination clinics must adhere to the expected rules of conduct provided by the staff at the clinic or to leave when requested to do so.
The Timmins Police Service will investigate any instances necessary to provide a safe and secure environment for attendees and vaccination staff.
Should the evidence derived from any such investigation support charges under any provincial or federal acts of parliament, then it will be pursued by means of laying the applicable charges.
The Timmins Police have an obligation to preserve and enhance the safety of all citizens. Anyone found indulging in behaviour that is meant to disrupt or intimidate vaccination clinic staff will have the incident investigated as necessary.
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