The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) says some of its members who were picketing outside the Royal BC Museum in Victoria were struck with bear spray on Tuesday.

Victoria Police say they were called to the 600-block of Belleville Street for a “possible irritant deployment” shortly before 7:30 p.m.

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

Police say they are investigating the incident, including reviewing video surveillance and interviewing witnesses.

BCGEU president Paul Finch says the union is “deeply disturbed” by the incident.

“This comes in addition to reports of yelling, spitting, racialized and homophobic verbal assaults, and other violent incidents,” he to

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