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B.C. now in longest state of emergency in provincial history

Premier John Horgan said there is "no likely end in sight" to the state of emergency
premier-john-horgan-bc-may-20-2020
Premier John Horgan provides an update on the provincial response to COVID-19 on May 20, 2020. Photo: Province of British Columbia/Flickr

By Nicholas Johansen

The state of emergency in British Columbia has been extended for another two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this the longest state of emergency in the province's history. 

Prior to Wednesday, the longest state of emergency in B.C.'s history was during the 2017 wildfire season, which lasted for 10 weeks. 

On Wednesday, Premier John Horgan said there is "no likely end in sight" to the state of emergency. 

The premier also announced that MLAs will be returning to the Legislature on June 22, with some returning in person and others "beaming in" using technology.

Horgan thanked the BC Liberal Party and Green Party MLAs for their non-partisanship during the pandemic, but added that he'd understand if "a partisan rock" is thrown in the weeks to come. 

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