The B.C. government has extended the provincial state of emergency again, through the Sept. 29. 

The state of emergency allows Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response. 

The original state of emergency was put in place March 18, the day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, declared the public health emergency. 

“Government and public health officials are doing what we can to fight this pandemic, but individual responsibility is going to play a major role in how this pandemic turns out,” said Premier John Horgan. “As we head into fall, every one of us needs to be following public health guidance to the letter so we can keep schools safe, keep the economy moving and flatten the curve.” 

Last month, Farnworth gave enforcement services in B.C the ability to issue $2,000 violation tickets to owners or organizers for not following the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order on gatherings and events.  

Between Aug. 21 and Sept. 12, 14 violation tickets were issued, including eight $2,000 violation tickets to owners or organizers, and six $200 violation tickets to individuals. 

“We’re asking British Columbians to do the right thing and continue taking the health of your family, friends and neighbours seriously,” said Farnworth. “We’ve put measures in place to protect people and deal with those who insist on breaking the rules. We all need to take personal responsibility and make choices that will keep our communities safe.” 

Some of the recent government actions include investing in a fall and winter preparedness plan, increasing funding for the return to school, an online variance application to simplify the process to extend temporary layoffs, delaying PST and carbon tac increases and continuing the emergency order to keep businesses from being evicted under the federal Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program.