State of emergency extended, Canucks NHL bid gets support

British Columbia’s longest ever state of emergency will continue for at least another two weeks.

The government extended the declaration to June 23 which allows the province to address situations in response to COVID-19.

“As we continue to slowly and carefully reopen our economy, British Columbians are starting to see aspects of normal life return. But it’s important to remember that we’re not out of the woods yet,” Premier John Horgan said. “There are a lot of people, businesses and communities that continue to need a hand right now, and the extension of this state of emergency helps us do that.”

The state of emergency was first declared on March 18.

“Under the provincial state of emergency, our government continues to address the variety of needs throughout British Columbia in response to COVID-19,” Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said. “We’ve been working with communities throughout this crisis, and the provincial state of emergency helps ensure our efforts continue in a mindful and co-ordinated way.”

Meantime, Horgan announced Wednesday, the Vancouver Canucks’ proposal to make Vancouver a hub city for the NHL’s proposed 24-team return has been approved by the provincial health officer and the government.

Horgan said it means the province would welcome the NHL, and it’s now up to the league to decide where they want to play, with Las Vegas rumoured to be the leading contender for Western conference teams.

To compensate NHL teams, Dr. Bonnie Henry allowed a modification to the quarantine rules to expand the number of people allowed in a bubble, meaning teams would still have to quarantine for 14 days when they come to B.C. but could stay and travel together with no interaction with the public.

The Canucks bid only includes games in Vancouver, not other areas of B.C. as proposed earlier.