The B.C. government announced it is extending again the provincial state of emergency. 

“We’re starting to see some restrictions lifting, but there are measures we need to keep in place to continue battling COVID-19,” said Premier John Horgan. “We will continue to take the necessary steps to make sure British Columbians are safe and that the most vulnerable people are protected, while experts work to find a treatment or vaccine.” 

The new extension goes until July 21 and gives Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, continued use of extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response. 

“We’ve made a commitment to British Columbians to do all that we can to keep COVID-19 at bay,” Farnworth said. “The extension of the state of emergency will allow us to keep orders in place to ensure public safety until measures are in place to transition out of the state of emergency.” 

On June 22, government introduced the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, legislation to allow provisions created for people and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed after the provincial state of emergency ends. 

Recent actions also include the school restart, a $5-million Youth Community Partnership program for community service projects, initiatives to keep long-term care residents safe as visits are allowed, enhancing B.C.’s climate action tax credit, and extending the federal employment insurance exemptions and the temporary crisis supplement.