Security concerns continue for B.C.'s top doctor
Staff at B.C.'s provincial health officer's office required accommodations for her RCMP security detail at a fundraising event in the spring, suggesting concerns for her safety continue two years after it became public that she was facing death threats.
In documents posted to the online portal where the provincial government publishes material related to freedom of information requests, correspondence between Dr. Bonnie Henry’s staff and organizers of a BC Women’s Hospital fundraiser outlines requirements for Mounties accompanying her to the event in April.
Organizers agreed to "two unobtrusive seats needed near to Dr. Henry for her RCMP security” at the fundraising luncheon after a conversation with her executive coordinator, according to the documents.
An RCMP officer based in Richmond, whose name and title was redacted, responded that "being at a nearby table and facing the audience would be fine ... we actually prefer this set up as it is our job to look/watch for threats ... and not to look at the VIP."
HISTORY OF THREATS
While many health-care workers have faced abuse and horrid behaviour during the pandemic, Henry has undoubtedly borne the brunt of public anger as the author of B.C.'s public health measures.
In September 2020, she revealed she had faced death threats and had to have security at her home as a result.
Months later, Vancouver police began an investigation after conspiracy theorists mused about “hanging her from the nooses” in videos posted online.
The provincial government ultimately legislated “bubble zones” around hospitals, testing sites and other locations targeted by anti-vaxxers, but such protections would be of little help to Henry, who has been attending a variety of events through the pandemic.
Her news conferences have become scarce. Henry’s last public information session and availability to journalists was in September.
THE GOAL OF THE EVENT
The Illuminations Luncheon had originally been scheduled for February, but in the first week of January it was rescheduled to April 7; at that time, soaring demand had collapsed the provincial COVID-19 testing system and sky-high test positivity suggested infections were raging virtually everywhere.
Henry enthusiastically agreed to deliver the keynote address at the event, noting it was “something close to (her) heart.” The gathering ultimately raised nearly half a million dollars for women’s health research. When organizers asked if it was appropriate to offer Henry a thank-you gift for her speech, her public relations specialist Nicola Lambrechts responded that “a donation to to an Indigenous women’s organization would be appreciated.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.