In extending the provincial state of emergency by another two weeks, the Premier says the COVID-19 pandemic will be the longest period in B.C.’s history where we’ve been under emergency orders.
The current record holder is the state of emergency declared during the 2017 wildfire season which lasted for 10 weeks, but John Horgan says the emergency brought on by COVID-19 has ‘no likely end in sight.’
“As we turn the dial up and increase our social and economic activity, its important to make sure that we don’t lose sight of the objectives that we as the province collectively embarked upon some two months ago,” Horgan said.
The COVID-19 state of emergency was first declared ten weeks ago, on March 18. The current extension is set to expire on June 10.
“We’ve been making progress. Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry advise us daily of that progress and I am excited about the future, but we also have to recognize that we don’t want to give up the ground that we have made collectively, and as individuals,” added Horgan.
B.C. MLA’s to return to the Legislature on June 22
The Premier also says MLA’s will be returning to the legislature in Victoria in just under four weeks, on June 22.
“Some will be here in person, some will be beaming in with technology but at the end of the day, debate will take place, votes will be cast, and democracy will be well served,” noted Horgan.
Like other governments across Canada, Horgan says the B.C. government has been looking for a way to bring parliamentarians back to work.
“And ensuring that physical distancing can take place and those members of the Legislature who are vulnerable – maybe with illnesses that do not put them in a position where they want to [be in] – can mix with other members of the community,” he said.
“I think we can find accommodations, in fact we have found accommodations and I’m excited to get back to work.”
Horgan also noted that he is grateful for a period of non-partisanship as B.C. battled the pandemic.
“Partisanship has left the building and it may well be returning in June, but I do want to say that I am grateful for the work of the BC Liberal Party, the BC Green Party and my colleagues in the NDP for taking this challenge on, not as partisans but as people,” said Horgan.
“Although I’d like to continue it on for as long as possible, I’ll understand if a partisan rock or two are thrown in the weeks again.”
Both Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar and Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone told NL News they plan to be in Victoria when the Legislature resumes.
