Backlash after local realty company vehicle spotted in anti-vaccine protest

A realty company in the Lower Mainland is left dealing with major backlash, after one of their company vehicles was spotted in the anti-vaccine protest Saturday.

The Orca Realty van was among hundreds of vehicles, many decorated with Canadian flags and anti-vaccine messaging, which were driven from Langley to Vancouver.

The protesters blocked traffic to several areas, including three hospitals, and caused heavy delays on the Burrard Street Bridge throughout the day.

Seriously, @OrcaRealtyInc? You think this is a good look for a local business?

I will not forget. I will not forgive.

I'm sure I'm in the majority for #Vancouver, too. pic.twitter.com/QA03lNmDTz

— Breen Ouellette (he/him) (@BreenOuellette) February 5, 2022

Orca Realty co-owner Michael Welsh says his company does not support the so-called freedom rallies and the vehicle was not authorized to be a part of it.

Welsh says it was the husband of an employee who was behind the wheel.

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“I guess her husband has his viewpoints and stance and he chose to drive a vehicle that was branded with our logo on the side of it,” Welch said.

He says the company is trying to get a hold of his employee today, but did not specify what action would be taken.

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“Everyone is entitled to their rights, me myself I support the health care workers,” he said. “I realize that the [buck] stops in the end you know and there has to be somebody accountable for actions here. This was completely not done with any knowledge of Orca Realty yet I apologize that people think it was.”

He says since then, several employees have been harassed online, and he apologizes to them as well for getting caught up in this mess.

The company has posted a statement on their website and hopes the message gets out that they are not condoning the actions of the protesters and hope the public will understand.

With files from Michael Williams