Montreal mayor slams anti-vax protesters who gather in front of schools, hospital

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante says it's "disgusting" that anti-vaccination protesters gathered in front of schools last week, and then later in front of the city's largest hospital.

It's intimidation, and "it's unacceptable," said Plante, who didn't mince words during an impromptu news conference Monday at city hall after a small demonstration at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). Plante said city lawyers are looking to see what can be done about this type of demonstration in front of medical facilities, schools or public vaccination sites. She said she is calling on the Quebec government to intervene. Meanwhile, Plante said Montreal police will continue to assist as needed. "If you don't agree with vaccinations, fine," said Plante. "But to prevent people from helping others, or from studying, no." Health-care workers deserve support, not intimidation, she said. There are stories of anti-vaccine protests in Ontario and Western Canada blocking traffic and ambulances, she said, and that puts people's lives in danger.