COVID-19 Updates

The Canada-US border will remain closed for at least another 30 days.

How has COVID-19 affected your life, your family and your future? Complete the B.C. COVID-19 survey before May 31st to help inform the government's response to the pandemic and ensure British Columbians have the resources and information they need.

B.C. Premier John Horgan says some children will start to return to classrooms on a part-time, voluntary basis beginning June 1.

Starting Friday May 15, 2020, you’ll be able to watch live Court of Appeal hearings that are now taking place over Zoom. See Updated Notice to the PublicRegarding Access to Court Proceedings During the COVID-19 Pandemic for instructions on how to view the hearings. 

Students who saw their job prospects dry up because of the pandemic are eligible for $1,250 a month from May through August. The benefit also is available to students who have jobs but are making less than $1,000 a month.

The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. This benefit is for students who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI). From May to August 2020, the CESB provides a payment to eligible students of either $1,250 for each 4-week period, or $2,000 for each 4-week period if you have dependents or a disability. Applicants must have a CRA account. The federal government is accepting applications beginning 6am EST on May 15, 2020.  Applications to the CRA can be submitted online or by phone.

See the Government of Canada website for further CESB details

Seniors Minister Deb Schulte said today that seniors who qualify for Old Age Security (OAS) will be eligible for a one-time, tax-free payment of $300, and those eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will get an extra $200.

Those eligible for both will receive $500.

VANCOUVER - Two days after unveiling a first look at the province's restart plan, the premier answered frequently asked questions about what's next for B.C.

John Horgan spoke during a digital "town hall," hosted on Facebook Friday afternoon. In the brief period since the plan was announced, MLA and moderator Bowinn Ma said, the province has received "about 900 questions."

• Is it safe to reopen at this time?
• Will the ban on rent increases continue?
• What will the long-term impact of COVID-19 be?
• How will physical distancing be enforced when kids go back to school?
• Is it safe to take public transit?
• What will the province do to guarantee sick pay?
• What's next for our borders?

On May 6, Premier John Horgan announced BC’s restart plan to provide British Columbians with the guidance needed to get through the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal of the plan is to increase social contacts by 60% without causing any spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the province. People are still required to stay home if sick, keep physical distance when outside their homes and are not to hug people outside their family. Small groups of 2-6 people are allowed.

If by mid-May cases remain low, the province will enter phase 2 of its restart plan. This includes restoration of health and medical services, opening up of the retail sector and personal service establishments, and in-restaurant dining, among many other things. In total, there are 4 phases of the plan. Visit the Government of BC’s Restart Plan for full details, or download the BC Restart Plan PDF.

Temporary layoffs can be extended to a maximum of 16 weeks rather than 13 weeks, if the employee agrees.