From heroes to hated: Health-care workers sign open letter slamming abuse

In one email obtained by Global News, healthcare workers were told to wear "street clothes" on their way to work, "not clothing which identifies you as a healthcare worker."

When COVID-19 first gripped the nation, people stepped out of their homes to clang pots and pans in a show of support for health-care workers. A pair of designer shoes were named after B.C.’s top doctor. Businesses and citizens sent free food to hospitals.

But on Monday, when Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth walked into her office, she had a different kind message waiting on her answering machine.

“You’re a lying a– c—,” said the voicemail, which was left on the phone at her family health practice in Ottawa over the weekend.

“I bet you love doing abortions, that’s why you’ve got a hyphen in your name, couldn’t even take take your f— husband’s last name. I’m sure of it. Another f—— extreme leftist, freakin’ extreme feminist c– who is just trying to destroy the world. Those people are fighting for your freedoms too, you dumb c—.”

Kaplan-Myrth said she wasn’t even sure if it was worth reporting to the police. She’s gotten death threats in the past, and when she reported it, she felt the police “didn’t care.”

“The line has been crossed so many times,” she said.

She’s not alone. Across Canada, in response to rising anger aimed at health-care workers, hospitals have privately told employees to take extra precautions.

Personal support workers in Ottawa were sent an email on Saturday from their employer offering them “a refuge” or a “safe room” in the downtown core. The email, obtained by Global News, explained that a downtown hotel was providing “health care and other essential workers” with a “safe space” they can use, as an anti-mandate protest clogs downtown Ottawa streets.