The Premier says the province has a comprehensive list of supplies its asking the federal government to help fund, in case the COVID-19 pandemic worsens here.
John Horgan was speaking to media after a conference call with the Prime Minister and other Premiers – and says this is a non-partisan issue.
“And there was a unanimity of purpose from the federal government as well as from Premiers, of every political stripe, that we need to make sure people get what they need as quickly as possible,” said Horgan.
“And I think this is an unprecedented period in our history. And this is a challenge that we’ve seen in our past, but one that I think we’re going to take up together, and I’m very excited about that.”
Horgan also says B.C. was repeatedly praised for its proactive measures by Canada’s top doctor, Dr. Theresa Tam.
He added his own commentary on some aspects, including the craze for toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
“I am profoundly disappointed in people who are hoarding [things] and then selling [it] online. I think that’s just offensive and most people would bristle at that,” added Horgan. “I joked about a special place for people like that. I’ll leave it at that, but I think people should be measured in their responses. Make sure they are prepared but lets not be ridiculous about this.”
Horgan says he also brought up border concerns with Washington state to the Prime Minister, calling on the federal government to impose stricter travel measures on U.S. citizens coming to B.C. amid the ongoing pandemic.
In the northwest US state, all K-12 schools will be closed statewide by the end of Monday until at least April 24. It means more than 1.2 million students will be out of class until at least April 27, according to Governor Jay Inslee.
Like in B.C., Washington state has banned gatherings of more than 250 people statewide.
There have been at least 37 deaths in Washington, with at least 570 confirmed COVID-19 cases with most of the cases in King and Snohomish Counties in the Seattle and Everett areas.
– With files from Colton Davies
I was asked about the bad actors buying up supplies & reselling them at a jacked up price. (https://t.co/8QWG6gG8L3)
It’s important that BCers are able to get what they need for their families. There is absolutely no place for the despicable acts of price gouging profiteers. pic.twitter.com/i9uEErqBVA
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) March 13, 2020
Thread below on today’s COVID-19 update for BC:
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) March 14, 2020
