20.34°C Vancouver

May 27, 2020 11:33 PM -

British Columbia has entered its longest period in a state of emergency

Share On
british-columbia-has-entered-its-longest-period-in-a-state-of-emergency
File - British Columbia has entered its longest period in a state of emergency in its history. B.C. Government

British Columbia has entered its longest period in a state of emergency in its history.

Premier John Horgan says the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the province's social and economic foundations but people in B.C. are perservering in what will likely be an extended emergency period.

B.C. first declared a public state of emergency on March 18 and today's extension will run until June 9, weeks longer than the emergency declaration during the devastating 2017 fire season.

In a wide-ranging news conference, the premier also says he is pleased Vancouver remains in the running as a potential hub city to complete the National Hockey League season, but stresses the province is not prepared to bend rules on the 14 day self-isolation required for players and team officials.

Latest news

carney-erdogan-agree-to-launch-canada-türkiye-free-trade-talks-during-nato-summit
CanadaJul 07, 2026

Carney, Erdogan agree to launch Canada–Türkiye free trade talks during NATO summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday during the NATO Summit in Ankara, where the two leaders discussed defence, security, critical minerals, energy and Canada's continued support for Ukraine, according to the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister's Office said Carney and Erdogan also agreed to begin formal negotiations on a Canada–Türkiye Free Trade Agreement. The federal government said bilateral trade between Canada and Türkiye reached $4.3 billion in 2025 and that a trade agreement could create new opportunities for businesses, work
AlbertaJul 07, 2026

Coal mining petition falls short of threshold, organizers consider court challenge

A citizen-led petition seeking to halt new coal mining projects in Alberta has failed to meet the number of verified signatures required to compel government action, according to Elections Alberta. The agency said it verified about 172,000 signatures from nearly 196,000 submitted through the "Water Not Coal" petition. The total falls below the approximately 178,000 valid signatures required under Alberta's citizen initiative legislation. Country musician Corb Lund, a spokesperson for the Water Not Coal campaign, said the group believes the verification process was invasive and flawed. Lund arg
AlbertaJul 07, 2026

Edmonton doctor sent ambulance bill after helping save patient's life; charge later cancelled

An Edmonton doctor who called an ambulance while helping save a patient's life has raised questions about Alberta's ambulance billing system after receiving the transportation bill himself. According to Alberta Health Services, the incident happened on June 19 during a basketball practice at a school in the Riverbend area. Dr. Ian Sutanto said a fellow player suddenly collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest. He immediately performed CPR while an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available at the school was used to assist before emergency crews arrived. The patient was transported to ho
astronaut-jeremy-hansen-to-leave-canadian-space-agency-in-september
CanadaJul 06, 2026

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen to leave Canadian Space Agency in September

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is leaving the Canadian Space Agency after announcing he will step down in September to pursue new professional opportunities, the agency said. Hansen, who made history earlier this year by taking part in NASA's Artemis 2 mission around the Moon, informed the agency of his decision to leave the astronaut corps. According to the Canadian Space Agency, he will continue serving as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force after his departure. The Canadian Space Agency did not provide additional details about Hansen's future plans or identify the professional o
AlbertaJul 06, 2026

Warm weather expected to return to Calgary after stormy weekend

Warm and dry weather is expected to return to Calgary following a stormy weekend, with above-seasonal temperatures forecast over the next seven to 10 days. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, heat warnings may also remain in effect for parts of Alberta during the period. Central and southern Alberta are expected to see near-seasonal temperatures on Monday, with Calgary forecast to reach a high of 22 C. Temperatures are then expected to climb through the week, ranging between 25 C and 29 C. Smoke from ongoing wildfires in the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan could drift in

Related News