Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than one-third of doctors have reported being routinely bullied or threatened by patients, says Blacklock’s Reporter..President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Dr. Katherine Smart said in a letter to the Senate social affairs committee, 75% of doctors have been harassed at some point during the pandemic..“The Canadian Medical Association is deeply concerned with the increasing number of threats, violence and intimidation directed at health care workers including online,” wrote Smart, a Whitehorse pediatrician..Smart said a survey set for release this spring will detail self-reported incidents from thousands of doctors..“Preliminary results from the CMA’s 2021 National Physician Health Survey suggest that more than 75% of physicians have experienced intimidation, bullying or harassment in the workplace,” wrote Smart..“In fact, more than one-third of physicians reported experiencing these issues at least a few times a month,” said Smart, adding evidence suggests female healthcare workers are seeing more of the abuse than their male counterparts..“It is unacceptable for healthcare workers to face threats, harassment and violence in the provision of care to patients as they advocate for the health and wellness of the public,” wrote Smart..“The Canadian Medical Association recognizes the importance of Canada’s protections of the right to peaceful protest, strike and demonstrations. These activities, core to democracy, are distinct from the concerns being raised by healthcare workers and their patients.”.On December 17, Parliament passed Bill C-3 banning anyone from attempting to impede a doctor or nurse “in the performance of their duties.” Offenders face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison..Michael Villeneuve, CEO of the Canadian Nurses Association, told the senate committee social media comments were “quite intimidating..“We have gone from hero to people being literally shoved and yelled at,” said Villeneuve..“We would align ourselves strongly with our labour colleagues and say people have a right to free assembly, such as unions to picket and so on, but let’s use the example of union protest..“That’s not the same as yelling at people, shoving and hitting them and stopping them from getting to their job because they are speaking public health messages.”.Though Bill C-3 passed without dissent, MPs and senators noted the Criminal Code already forbids hate speech, uttering threats, public mischief and unlawful assembly.. “These amendments would give police and prosecutors additional tools,” Attorney General David Lametti told reporters last November 26..Melanie Risdon is a reporterwith the Western Standard.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
