National

B.C. expanding COVID-19 enforcement measures

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Dec, 2020 11:07 PM

New enforcement measures are coming into effect as part of British Columbia's crackdown on those who refuse to follow COVID-19 restrictions.

Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, says in a statement that he has asked gaming investigators, conservation officers, community safety unit inspectors as well as liquor and cannabis inspectors to support police and increase COVID-19 enforcement.

Farnworth has also directed the Insurance Corp. of B.C. to send unpaid fines to collections after the initial 30-day payment or dispute period ends.

The province is also asking WorkSafeBC to increase the number of inspections it performs at workplaces.

Farnworth says the move will ensure the province can penalize those who put their own "selfishness" above public health.

The announcement follows Premier John Horgan's criticism on Tuesday of people who ignore or try to find loopholes in the province's COVID-19 restrictions.

The vast majority of British Columbians are doing their best to follow the rules. For those who aren't, there are fines for $230 to $2,300 for violating provincial health orders. We're increasing enforcement of public health orders. Learn more: https://t.co/aB270btkeX #CovidBC pic.twitter.com/eWy5VjVR2W
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) December 16, 2020

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

PBO blasts lack of detail in Liberals' $100B plan

Freeland presented last month what the Liberals have described as a plan to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic by opening the spending taps over the next three years to build a greener and more inclusive economy.

PBO blasts lack of detail in Liberals' $100B plan

Homeless bump coming in wake of pandemic: report

One reason for the delay is that people in need will first max out government supports before exhausting their savings.

Homeless bump coming in wake of pandemic: report

Man charged after targeting women in parking lot

Police say in a news release that they responded to an assault call at Southgate Centre Tuesday afternoon.

Man charged after targeting women in parking lot

One missed signal light, one more dangerous weapon removed from the street.

Benjamin James Gilleland, a 35-year-old resident of Surrey, was held in custody to be brought before a judge on the outstanding warrant, while the other two occupants were released at the scene.

One missed signal light, one more dangerous weapon removed from the street.

B.C. long-term care workers vaccinated next week

Up to 400,000 B.C. residents can get a shot in the arm by the end of March. Dr. Henry says prioritizing those who work at care homes will protect the elderly, who can't travel to sites where the vaccine must be administered because it needs to be kept at a very cold temperature.

B.C. long-term care workers vaccinated next week

Lines drawn for first ministers' health meeting

First ministers are scheduled to meet via conference call Thursday — a long-awaited meeting that was supposed to be devoted to the premiers' unanimous call for a big increase in the annual federal transfer to provinces and territories for health care.