New measures in place in British Columbia, as province cracks down on those not heeding COVID message

With case count report numbers rising, along with the curve of COVID in British Columbia, the province's Top Cop laid down a little law today; with Mike Farnworth, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General revealing the scope of enforcement measures that the government has introduced.

Police and other provincial enforcement officers are being given the ability to issue $2,000 violation tickets for owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order on gatherings and events. 

They will also be able to issue $200 violation tickets to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events or who refuse to comply with requests to follow PHO orders or safe operating procedures, or respond with abusive behaviour.

The new measures were effective today and are part of the ongoing Provincial State of Emergency provisions, in response the British Columbia Government's COVID-19 response program.

“These orders will help us put a stop to the selfish acts of a small minority of British Columbians, who are threatening to erode the progress our province has made in controlling COVID-19. While I’m disappointed these measures are now necessary, I am taking this action to give police agencies and provincial enforcement officers the ability to take action against those who are putting people’s lives at risk.” -- Mike Farnworth, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Towards ensuring that the newest enforcement orders are adhered to, the Province is enlisting compliance and enforcement staff from provincial ministries to support enforcement and help issue tickets for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This includes liquor, cannabis and gaming inspectors, community safety unit inspectors and conservation officers. 

If violation tickets do not act as a deterrent, or in cases of particularly egregious contraventions or for repeat offenders, police can recommend charges in relation to the offence. 

On conviction, judicial penalties of up to $10,000 may be levied.

You can review the full scope of actions to be taken by the province here.

The additional moves come after a month of rising case counts and reports of large gatherings of people who clearly have not take heed of the ongoing measures and impact that their behaviour can have on the larger population of the province.

You can review the daily COVID reports from Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry from our archive page here.