Listen Live

State of emergency declared in B.C.

British Columbia has declared a state of emergency, coordinating resources across all levels of government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Farnworth, B.C. Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety made the announcement on Wednesday, one day after the COVID-19 outbreak was deemed a public health emergency by the provincial health officer.

“We need to ensure that we will continue to have the means to coordinate our response across government, across industry and that we have the tools available to protect the most vulnerable,” said Farnworth. “This declaration will make sure federal, provincial, and local resources are delivered in a joint coordinated way to protect the people of our province.”

Farnworth said that by declaring a state of emergency in British Columbia, they are taking an “all-hands-on-deck approach” to their response.

“The declaration also includes the means to secure critical supply chains to ensure people have access to essential goods and services and that any infrastructure necessary to support the response to COVID-19 is readily available,” added Farnworth.

B.C. Legislature will return with a limited session on Monday, March 23rd to pass emergency legislation and ensure the provincial government remains operational.

Farnworth encouraged everyone to remain safe, remain healthy, and take responsibility for stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“Follow the advice of the public health officer, be vigilant about your hand hygiene, maintain social or physical distancing and stay home if you’re sick. We are going to get through this together, all of us.”

Continue Reading

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Canada Post to resume limited service as CUPW shifts to rotating strikes Oct. 11

Canada Post says it will begin restarting mail operations this weekend as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers shifts from a national walkout to rotating strikes.

Port Hardy residents encouraged to sign up for e-billing

Port Hardy residents are being encouraged to sign up for the district’s e-billing service while the Canada Post strike continues.

B.C. and Alberta saw largest rent declines as prices fall across Canada, says report

British Columbia and Alberta saw the largest declines in the price of apartment rentals over the past year, although B.C. remained the most expensive province for renters.

B.C. tables bill to hold vape companies accountable for health-care costs

Proposed legislation would allow British Columbia to take legal action against vape manufacturers to recover health-care-related costs. 

Construction industry applauds B.C.’s proposed prompt payment legislation

Construction industry groups in British Columbia are welcoming proposed legislation aimed at ensuring contractors are paid on time.
- Advertisement -