File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Schools Entered

Anti-vaccine protesters enter Salmon Arm schools, prompting hold-and-secure

Sep 17, 2021 | 4:46 PM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — Several schools in and around Salmon Arm were placed on hold-and-secure protocol Friday morning (Sept. 17) after anti-vaccination protesters went inside.

In a letter published to the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District’s (SD83) website, Superintendent Donna Kriger called the actions “completely unacceptable”.

Kriger said there have been protests outside of the SD83 District Education Support Centre throughout the week, but demonstrators escalated by entering schools Friday.

“This morning these protesters did something which was completely unacceptable which was, choosing to enter schools in and around Salmon Arm. As a result, our schools were placed in a ‘Hold and Secure’ to ensure the safety of both staff and students,” said Kriger.

Students were not able to leave or enter school buildings throughout the day. The protocol was ended by the end of the school day.

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Earlier in the day, anti-vaccine activist Kyle Cardinal posted on his Facebook page that he would be going to a school pop-up vaccination clinic to “get some answers for the concerned parents of the region.”

Image Credit: Facebook / Kyle Cardinal

Later, he posted neither he nor his “colleagues” entered any schools.

Kriger says doors to all schools will be locked beginning Monday (Sept. 20). Anyone who wishes to access a school is asked to notify the school in advance.

The district is working with RCMP in an effort to keep protests away from SD83 property.

“Please know that the intent of our actions is to maintain environments which are safe for all students and staff. Thank you for your support and understanding,” says Kriger.