By Morgan Hampton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Province is ramping up enforcement for COVID-19 violations. 

Premier John Horgan announced at a media availability on Dec. 15 that conservation officers, gaming investigators, community safety unit inspectors, and liquor and cannabis inspectors are now asked to increase COVID-19 enforcement during the course of their duties and actively support police officers in the crack down on violations of Public Health Orders.

“While I’m pleased to report that vaccinations in B.C. have begun, which is a reason to celebrate, we need to continue our efforts in the months ahead to protect our province’s most vulnerable,” said Horgan.

“The provincial health officer’s directions and the solicitor general’s orders are clear. Right now, we all need to mask up in indoor public spaces and not gather with anyone outside our household, and today’s expanded enforcement measures will help us change behaviours and bend the curve of infections back down.”

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, was in agreement with the new COVID-19 enforcements.

“Our police departments have been working hard to educate the public and issue violation tickets when necessary,” said Farnworth.

“Provincial enforcement officers can already issue violation tickets, but we want to increase the use of the tools available to them. This will put more boots on the ground to actively enforce Emergency Program Act orders and better ensure we can penalize those who insist on putting their own selfishness above public health.”

In addition, Farnworth directed ICBC, which collects COVID-19 ticket fines on behalf of the government, to send deemed-guilty offenders to collections immediately. The current practice is to send payment reminders for up to a year before the overdue account is sent to collections. ICBC will now eliminate this period and instead submit unpaid files directly to collections as soon as the initial 30-day payment or dispute period ends, or if an offender is found guilty in court.

The Province has also requested WorkSafeBC reduce reliance on virtual checks and increase in-person inspections, particularly in sectors where COVID-19 transmission is occurring.

“From the start of the pandemic, WorkSafeBC officers have been doing an admirable job conducting inspections and enforcing compliance with the requirement to have a COVID-19 safety plan,” said Harry Bains, Minister of Labour.

“Increasing in-person inspections in sectors of particular concern will help prevent future outbreaks and aligns with our co-ordinated approach to COVID-19 enforcement. Our government is firmly committed to keeping people safe at work.”

Tickets for violations of the Provincial Health Officer’s orders range from $230 to $2,300.

In cases of particularly egregious contraventions or for repeat offenders, police may recommend charges and courts can impose additional penalties including further fines and jail time.