The British Columbia government is spending $5 billion to help support the province's economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier John Horgan says it is a stressful time for people and businesses, and help is needed now. Horgan says the province is spending $2.8 billion on people and services, and $2.2 billion on businesses and economic recovery in the future. Horgan says the plan includes direct payments to people as well as deferment of payments. He says there will be targeted tax relief and support for renters to make sure no one is evicted because of the novel coronavirus. The British Co

Vancouver council has approved a motion giving it the power to crack down on businesses ignoring closure orders or residents defying the requirement to maintain social distancing. This morning's vote, giving the city the ability to levy 50-thousand dollar fines on businesses or slap residents with fines of up to one-thousand dollars was approved unanimously. The measures follow numerous violations in the days following last week's declaration of a local state of emergency in Vancouver, restricting shop hours or operations and limiting many public activities. Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler a

British Columbia has recorded three more deaths from COVID-19 since Saturday.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says 472 people have now tested positive for the respiratory virus. She says the three deaths were all related to long-term care facilities, including one in the Lynn Valley care centre in North Vancouver where several other deaths have occurred, and another at a care home in downtown Vancouver.Henry says of the 472 positive cases, 33 people have been hospitalized and 14 are in intensive care.She says 100 people now listed as ``recovered'' have been released from isolation.In

Vancouver City Council will convene on Monday for a Special Council Meeting to vote on an amendment to Vancouver’s emergency powers bylaw that will include enforcement of orders. As directed by the provincial health officer, all businesses that remain open must ensure appropriate social distancing for staff and patrons. Businesses that do not comply with this requirement will be subject to closure and fines. In addition to previously-announced facilities and playground closures, the Vancouver Park Board will also today begin closing parking lots at high-traffic outdoor destinations. These pa

British Columbia's housing minister says help is on the way to ensure renters are not evicted as the province cracks down on the spread of the new coronavirus. Selina Robinson says the B.C. government is banning evictions for non-payment of rent in buildings funded by BC Housing. Details are expected to be provided next week by Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James.

British Columbia's provincial health officer says there are 74 new cases of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total to 424. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are 27 people in hospital, 12 of whom are in intensive care. Six people have recovered. She says there has also been another death associated with the Lynn Valley long-term care home in North Vancouver. Henry says the province is ordering all personal service establishments to close, including salons, spas, and massage and tattoo parlours.

British Columbia still has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Health Minister Adrian Dix is reporting 77 new cases bringing the total to 348. That surpasses the 318 being reported in Ontario today. Dix says 22 patients are in acute care and the province will spare no effort to ensure it has the equipment in place to protect health care and other essential workers. BC's provincial health officer is ordering restaurants to cease all operations except take out and delivery to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she decided on the order because it's cl

Liquor stores in British Columbia are adjusting their hours but will remain open as Vancouver ordered restaurants to stop offering dine in services at midnight. The provincial government says hours are changing at BC Liquor Stores so that staff can do additional cleaning to minimize the risk to employees and customers from COVID-19. When necessary, the number of customers allowed in stores will also be limited to maintain self-distancing. The government says there are no shortages of beer, wine or spirits but the stores have not been able to keep shelves stocked because of an increase in sale

A regional airline that connects 16 airports around BC, from Cranbrook to Prince George, Massett and Tofino is suspending all operations effective Tuesday because of concern about COVID-19. Pacific Coastal Airlines says the delay until Tuesday gives travellers a chance to get home or make other plans, and the suspension will continue until at least May 3rd, when it will be reassessed, if conditions allow. President Quentin Smith says there was no other choice, given the rapidly deteriorating situation and the need to be socially responsible about halting the spread of the new coronavirus. Pac