Cantons-de-l’Est gymnasium owner targeted online because of vaccine policy

“I was trolled to death, I didn’t know there were so many trolls,” he said.

On Thursday, Prime Minister François Legault announced that instead of returning to containment, Quebec will put in place a vaccination passport and restrict access to non-essential services for people who are not fully vaccinated.

It appears that the news was motivating for some who hesitated – Health Minister Christian Dubé said more than 11,500 people signed up for their first dose the day after the passport was announced.

Not wanting to wait for Quebec to settle the details, Gauthier presented his new policy last Tuesday.

He says he’s just trying to protect himself and his clients, some of whom are elderly or immunocompromised, and he says he’s happy to chat with clients who don’t agree with his position.

“I had a client, a client that I have had for years …[who] was an anti-vaccine. And I said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not changing my mind, here’s your refund.’ “

Gauthier says the conversation got intense, but taking the time to explain his point of view paid off.

“I just explained to him … it’s no different to getting a polio vaccine, or a smallpox vaccine or a tetanus vaccine. These are all shields that protect you and you are offered one. , why don’t you take it? “

Three days later, Gauthier says that the client came back and told her: “It made a lot of sense to me”, and presented her first vaccination certificate.

“People just need to be talked to,” he said.

Gauthier says he’s trying to keep a cool head, but he’s been facing a lot of backlash online and his gym’s Google review score has taken a big hit.

Of the many 1-star reviews he received in the past week, many are from people who have never visited his gym. Comments range from claims that requiring proof of vaccination is discriminatory and comparing it to medical segregation, to calling it fascist.

Human rights lawyer Julius Gray says the policy conflicts with Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, but does not necessarily violate it. Speaking of a similar decision made by a restaurant in Montreal, Gray said the company would have to show reasonable grounds to refuse to serve people who are not vaccinated.

Gauthier says that several of his regulars thanked him and that people across the country gave him their support.

“A lot of people have reached out, even from the West Coast, sending me love and congratulations for having the courage to do this,” he said.