British Columbia to extend State of Emergency until mid June

British Columbians will be in a state of emergency for an additional two weeks, with Premier John Horgan and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth announcing the extension as part of an information session on Wednesday.

“We are now in the longest state of emergency in our province’s history, and British Columbians everywhere have shown we have what it takes to persevere through these challenging times. As we slowly turn the dial on our social and economic activity, we must work together to do so in a way that keeps our communities and loved ones safe in the weeks and months to come.” -- Premier John Horgan

The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials. Farnworth made the original declaration on March 18, 2020, after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency the previous day.

The Premier noted that while excited about the progress the province has made in the COVID response, he observed that there is no end period in mind as of yet as to when the Emergency orders be lifted.

As the State of Emergency continues, the province continues to move forward with its BC Restart Plan, which has seen the commercial and industrial sector shift back into operations,

Next week, British Columbia's school system will offer an opportunity for a mix of in class and online instruction for students, each individual school will be posting their restart protocols to their online platforms.

“As businesses work hard to safely reopen their doors and friends and families carefully expand their social bubbles, we are beginning to see what this global challenge will look like in B.C. Our government is committed to supporting people and businesses for the long road ahead, and we will continue to find ways to keep the economy moving and keep people safe.” -- Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth

The Premier also noted that the Legislature will resume its operations on June 22nd, with a mixed format that will feature both in House attendance and technological access, with MLA's both in Victoria and in their home constituencies.

You can review the full statement extending the State of Emergency here.


The media information session can be viewed below:

For more items of note on provincial issues see our archive page here.