‘Free Palestine’ banner hung on B.C. legislature sets off probe of ‘security breach’

A "Free Palestine" banner is seen hanging off the B.C. legislature, in an image posted by Reddit user sadwesterns.

VICTORIA — A protest banner hung on the outside facade of the British Columbia legislature has set off a police probe and an investigation by the clerk’s office into the “external security breach.”

A statement from the Office of the Clerk says the banner was put up overnight between Aug. 13 and Aug. 14 and the security breach was “being taken very seriously” with a full internal investigation underway.

The banner, reading “Free Palestine Economic Sanctions” was placed on the front of the building above a giant Canadian flag that was put up as the tariff dispute heated with the United States.

The statement says the Victoria Police Department is also investigating the breach.

The banner was removed Thursday shortly after it was discovered, but not before being seen by motorists and others travelling past the building on Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

The intersection near the legislature is among the busiest in the city, and the grounds of the legislature have recently been used by those protesting the Israeli war in Gaza.

This report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press, was first published Aug. 15, 2025.