Premier calls protest outside Strang’s home ‘completely inappropriate’

Nova Scotia's premier says his government is considering expanding legislation aimed to prevent protests held outside health-care facilities to include private residences.

Tim Houston's comments come after a small group held a protest outside Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang's home Sunday night in response to the province's move to keep masking in schools until mid-April.

Alongside his Atlantic counter-parts, Premier Houston expressed to reporters on Monday his frustration with those who participated.

“I don't know if I have a strong enough word to really express my emotions over people protesting at the home of the chief medical officer,” said Houston. “To protest at his home where he lives, but also his family lives, is completely inappropriate and that's not something that should be happening in Nova Scotia or anywhere, quite frankly.”

Last October, the province passed the Protecting Access to Health Services Act which establishes a 50-metre bubble around hospitals and other facilities, such as doctors' offices, so that protests won't be permitted.

Houston said they're looking at potentially adding to the legislation.

“We're looking at a number of options of what we can do to protect those serving the province,” said Houston. 

“There's lots of places you can protest, just don't do it at somebody's private residence.”