BCGEU members allegedly exposed to ‘irritant’ on Victoria picket line

FILE: BCGEU members picket outside an ICBC office in Surrey on Sept. 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS

Police are investigating after B.C. General Employees’ Union members were allegedly exposed to an “irritant” while picketing in Victoria this week.

In a statement, BCGEU president Paul Finch said the union was “deeply disturbed” by the incident, which happened Tuesday outside the Royal B.C. Museum on Belleville Street.

“This comes in addition to reports of yelling, spitting, racialized and homophobic verbal assaults, and other violent incidents,” Finch said. “These acts of violence against peaceful striking workers are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The Victoria Police Department confirmed officers are investigating reports of an “irritant deployment during a labour dispute” around 7:30 p.m. that evening.

“A group of individuals reported experiencing respiratory distress, suggesting exposure to a substance similar to bear spray,” police said in a news release Thursday.

Investigators have been speaking with witnesses and reviewing security video from the area, authorities said.

It’s unclear whether police have identified a suspect or obtained a suspect description. CTV News has asked the department for more information.