Silent protest in downtown Windsor
A group of first responders and front line workers stood in the middle of Dieppe Park Saturday afternoon and protested in silence for 15 minutes.
"I decided to come down to support the firefighters because they should have their own choice if they want to get vaccinated or not," said Duncan McGregor, who was one of over a thousand people who showed their support.
There is resistance to vaccine mandates, especially with new policies coming into effect next week. Staff and volunteers at Windsor Regional Hospital are mandated to have their first vaccine dose by September 22 or face a two-week unpaid leave. Without approved exemptions staff will have until October 7th to be fully vaccinated or face termination.
"If you want to get vaccinated get vaccinated. If you don't want to then your job shouldn't be lost because you're choosing body autonomy," said Anna, who preferred not to share her full name.
Joe Foley said, "You should be able to make a decision and change your decision at the same time but again. You should be able to make a decision."
Some in today's group are vaxed and others aren't. Group advocate Matt Hallewick said they are not fighting vaccine mandates, "We’re fighting simply the right to choose under the protections afforded to us in the Ontario Human Rights Code."
Hallewick feels the lack of choice is causing a division in the workplace.
"We're seeing hostility on the floors between co-workers that are vaxed and not vaxed to the point I've witnessed tears, witnessed people cleaning out their lockers saying I'm not going back, I won't go back to that floor if I go back at all."
With vaccine passports coming into effect Wednesday many understand and feel their rights are being compromised as well. Sarah and John Bezaire have kids who are going to be forced to leave their extra-curricular activities because they chose not to receive a vaccine.
"The kids aren't getting exercise. They're not being active because they have to choose between something that they don't really agree with their sports or something they are passionate about” said Sarah."
"It's either he does the vaccination or he can't compete when he turns 12 in October so he doesn't have a choice. It's not a choice anymore. It's a forced coercion thing for kids," said John.
Supporter Sharon says she feels forced into a corner, "like saying it's not about my vaccine anymore. It's now my rights and my freedom. It's changed and that's the problem."
Hallewick encourages workers to keep their eye on the long game. "We have to stand up until such a time when the law can intervene on our behalf."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW What Canada is doing about the toxic forever chemicals in drinking water
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation
Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson Airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Frustrated farmers are rebelling against EU rules. The far right is stoking the flames
Mainstream political parties failed to act on European farmers' complaints for decades, one farmer says. Now the radical right is stepping in.
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.