B.C. extends its state of emergency to continue COVID-19 response

#BC; #EmergencyProgramAct; #COVID-19PandemicResponse

British Columbia, Jul 21 (Canadian-Media): The B.C. government's state of emergency has formally been extended through the end of the day on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 enabling Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General to use his powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province, media reports said.

John Horgan. Image credit: Twitter Handle

B.C. Premier John Horgan said in a news release that he commends everyone  for following public health advice to reduce transmission and keep everyone safe from COVID-19 and added,

 “However, we are still in the midst of a pandemic, and we’re not out of the woods yet. As a government, we are working to ensure the supports people need during this unprecedented time continue to be available, which is why we’re extending provincial state of emergency today.”

Farnworth said in the news release that as British Columbians start to carefully adjust to life in Phase 3,  critical supports would be maintained to respond to and alleviate the effects of this pandemic. 

The COVID-19 Related Measures Act which came into force on July 10 enables provisions created for people and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed after the provincial state of emergency ends.

Actions taken in the previous two weeks to support British Columbians include: releasing an economic and fiscal update for 2020-21 with a summary of COVID-19 investments to date with scenario of revenue and deficit projections; extending the temporary authorization that permits food-primary and liquor-primary licensees to sell and deliver sealed, packaged liquor products alongside the purchase of a meal for off-site consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic; and laying out the details of a repayment framework later this summer, helping renters and landlords  and tenants to maintain their housing when the ban on evictions for non-payment of rent is lifted ahead of Sept. 1, 2020.