COVID-19 Updates

The newly updated Provincial Court of BC Notice No. 19 to the public, effective June 12, 2020, explains what will be happening to Provincial Court matters for the coming months.

Many trials and appearances before or on July 3, 2020, have been rescheduled. Trials scheduled after July 3, 2020, will proceed on their scheduled date. Counsel and self-represented litigants should attend court on the date scheduled at 9:00 AM to advise if they are ready to proceed that day. You will be notified by the court if there are any changes. Other non-trial appearances scheduled for after July 3, 2020, will proceed on the date scheduled, either in court or by phone. 

If you have an upcoming provincial matter, it is important that you check Notice No. 19 to confirm your scheduled date and whether it will be in court or via phone. 

The B.C. government has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.

“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,” said Premier John Horgan. “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 is extended through the end of the day on June 23, 2020, allowing the government to continue to take the necessary steps to keep British Columbians safe.

To learn more, see the BC Gov News Release.

Temporary pandemic pay is now available for front-line health, social services and corrections employees. Temporary pandemic pay supports health, social services and corrections employees delivering in-person, front-line care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes employees delivering a range of health and social services to people most vulnerable to COVID-19, where maintaining physical distancing is difficult or impossible. Eligible front-line workers can expect to receive a lump-sum payment equivalent to about $4 per hour for straight-time hours worked anytime over a 16-week period, starting on March 15, 2020.

To determine your eligibility, click HERE.

Beginning on June 1st, parents have the choice to send their children back to school on a gradual and part-time basis. The June 1 optional return to school is part of BC's Education Restart Plan. This prepares students and teachers for a return to full-time classes planned for September, provided it is safe to return.

All schools and school districts will be required to implement strict provincial health officer and WorkSafeBC health and safety measures to reduce the risk COVID-19 transmission.

For more information see Safe & Healthy Schools: Restarting BC’s Schools

As of June 1st, minimum wage in BC is $14.60 per hour. 

To learn more, visit the Government of BC website.

As of May 26, 2020, parties not appearing in person before the Supreme Court as a result of measures put in place during the public health emergency are required to file their affidavits of service or delivery and may do so by e-filing. 

Beginning June, in-person hearings will resume for priority matters in 6 courthouses across the province. The number of courthouses with in-person hearings will increase on June 15, 2020.

Restaurants will be allowed to temporarily expand patios to allow for physical distancing. 

New Emergency order means documents like wills can be executed without the usual “in person” requirements. The order is effective as of May 19, 2020. 

A free, 25 minute webinar with employment lawyers to answer common questions about returning to work. From 12pm to 12:45pm, May 20, 2020.