B.C. residents have a month to tell government how they did with COVID

An extensive review of the B.C. government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched with public input open until 4 p.m. on April 20.

The review will look at how prepared government was, how effective it was at implementing actions and communicating, as well as looking at what improvements can be made to prepare for future pandemics and emergencies, a news release from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General said.

“The scope of the review does not include an assessment of the public policy decisions made by government to deal with the consequences of the pandemic and decisions made by the provincial health officer,” the release says. “Decisions made about economic recovery, such as supports for small businesses and families will not be part of the review. This review will, however, look at how these decisions were made.”

A project team that includes three long-time, former senior leaders of the B.C. Public Service has been appointed. Those three are Bob de Faye, Dan Perrin, and Chris Trumpy.

The team will “engage extensively” with government agencies, First Nations, Indigenous organizations, stakeholders, partners and independent regulators.

Individuals, businesses or organizations affected by the government's actions during the pandemic can provide input here.

The goal is to have a report presented this fall.

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