The Premier provided for some thoughts on the COVID-19 front today, hosting his first press conference since expanded measures as part of the provincial response to COVID and speaking to a range of topics.
High among them in his opening remarks how the province continues to monitor the ongoing situation in the province, noting of the Lunar new Year currently being celebrated by families, as well as BC's Family day weekend ahead and how close gatherings in family circles is the focus for this year.
On vaccines he observed once the Federal government has provided the supplies in the weeks and months to come, the immunization program will be up and running, with changes to come in the province's public health orders and changes to our daily lives, a period he observed we should look forward to, but not get ahead of.
As for the roll out of the program, Premier Horgan observed that they had hoped to be further down the road than they are now, due to circumstances he said are beyond their control.
The government will be reaching out to the 80 plus group who will be among the first to receive their vaccines to get the word out through MLA's who will share details with those in their community to ensure all that want the vaccine shot will receive one.
The Premier faced questions related to concerns over border gatherings on the BC/Washington State border, he outlined how the Federal government was handling those border issues and should there be persistent concerns over that location, he will bring it to the attention of the Federal government.
He also outlined that BC is working with the Federal government on monitoring the border with the USA, with a particular focus on the trucking industry and its importance to the provincial food and supply chains and how the protocols on health need to be a constant focus.
For those that are breaking public gathering rules, the Premier observed that most British Columbians are following the rules and that law enforcement will continue to address those that don't follow the measures.
Towards the restrictions on faith gatherings, Mr. Horgan noted that as the provincial vaccine program moves forward and British Columbians make progress on COVID, such restrictions may be able to be scaled back.
He also received a question over concerns related to the situation at the Royal BC Museum and the need to address any elements of racism that have been raised from the facility, he also advised that Minister Melanie Mark would be taking an interest in the situation at the museum.
The Premier also outlined some of the measures the government has taken and continues to take to address systemic racism in the province and with its services.
Concerns over the environment at ski hills and how they could contribute to the spread of COVID, gave the Premier an opportunity to reinforce the need to remain local and to just focus on the skiing and not the after ski social events where at the risk would be greatest, adding that "once you've had your ski, go home".
The ongoing shut down of salmon farms made for a topic raised during the conference, with the Premier noting that the province has a plan for a slow reduction of open pen farms, he also observed that the Federal government needs to step up on such themes to address the needs of all the stakeholders when it comes to fishery issues.
Premier Horgan also explored how the federal government was describing its moves on fish farming as a way of reconciliation that he wouldn't quite agree with, suggesting the Federal government may wish to study how BC has introduced the UDNRIP protocols towards addressing everybody's needs.
The topic of the recent cancellation of the 2021 Cruise ship season made for an inquiry, with the Premier noting that with concerns over accurate testing, he believes as a community that BC is not quite ready to be welcoming visitors during the current COVID situation, leaving it to the Federal government to manage the international borders.
"With respect to the cruise ship industry I know that this is a big blow for Victoria, parts of Vancouver, and even up Island and beyond into Prince Rupert and Alaska. But I'm confident if you talk to the vast majority of the people in Victoria they would be hailing this decision. We are not comfortable as a community to welcome the world back to British Columbia until the world gets their act together when it comes to COVID-19"
Mr. Horgan also acknowledged that many businesses and services would be impacted by restrictions on tourism this year and how the government continues to work with the tourism industry and businesses to address the issues that will come with the ongoing shutdown for international travel.
The idea of postponing Spring Break was knocked down by the Premier who noted that the BC Government continues to keep a quest for normalcy, as for the actual period of time of the break later in March, he reminded BC residents to stay to their bubbles and local areas.
The Premier also spoke to the idea of putting in place restrictions on internal or domestic borders, noting there are none in mind at the moment, but that they constantly review their plans and are prepared if the need requires, adding his advice for now is if you don't need to come to British Columba at the moment don't come.
"We will welcome you when the pandemic has subsided but you're not welcome today. And it pains me to say that but the best course of action is for people to stay where they are That's what I'm asking British Columbians to do and I hope that the Premiers of other provinces will say the same thing to their citizens."
More notes on the work of the Legislature see our archive page here.
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