Friday, March 29, 2024

BC won’t ban interprovincial travel due to COVID-19: Premier John Horgan

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BC’s premier has nixed implementing any interprovincial travel restrictions, he announced on Thursday, citing that after a review of his legal options, the province doesn’t have the power to do so.

According to a statement from John Horgan released late Thursday evening, it’s a matter of BC not having the authority to prevent outsiders from visiting the province.

“The review of our legal options made it clear we can’t prevent people from travelling to British Columbia,” reads Horgan’s statement.

“Much of current interprovincial travel is work related and therefore cannot be restricted. Public health officials tell us what is most important is for everyone to obey health orders, wherever they are, rather than imposing mobility rules. Therefore, we will not be imposing travel restrictions at this time.”

Horgan met with counterparts from across Canada Thursday at a Council of the Federation meeting, and says that Primer Minister Justin Trudeau is also exploring additional international travel restrictions, stating that BC “stands ready to assist” with this, if necessary.

“Now is not the time for non-essential travel,” Horgan reitertaed in the statement. We ask all British Columbians to stay close to home while vaccines become available. And to all Canadians outside of BC, we look forward to your visit to our beautiful province when we can welcome you safely.”

Seanna Wainman
Seanna Wainmanhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Managing Editor at Victoria Buzz. Have a story idea? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at seanna@victoriabuzz.com

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