The BC Liberals say the NDP are introducing two sets of rules for people in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions being eased one for hockey players and celebrities, and another for ordinary British Columbians.

It comes one day after Premier John Horgan said he wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to let him know that Vancouver and British Columbia would welcome the NHL, if it is chosen as an NHL hub city.

Kamloops North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar says he is all for bringing sports back to British Columbia as soon as safely possible, but he calls the special exemption for NHL-ers unfair.

“People across B.C. have made great sacrifices to flatten the curve and save lives, so why is John Horgan so strongly advocating for a special set of rules for athletes instead of fighting for all of us?” Milobar, who is also the BC Environment critic, said. “This decision risks undermining people’s trust in the government’s approach.”

Horgan says B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has approved the modification in the quarantine plan to allow an NHL team to be considered a family entity or a ‘bubble.’ while they self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival into Canada.

“Right now people are asking when they can expand their bubbles to see their grandparents and isolated family members and when they can get back to more fully supporting their local economies,” added Milobar.

“If this goes forward, the safety and protection of hotel employees and all B.C. workers who will engage with these hockey players, staff, and their families has to be the top priority.”

Milobar says Horgan already ruled out a regional easing of restrictions in areas with lower case counts, and notes British Columbians want to know if the Premier is committed to prioritizing players and athletes with special exemptions, over everyone else.