Horgan says B.C. can't deny visitors entry to province unless harm proven
Premier John Horgan says his government's legal advice is that he can't prevent people from travelling to B.C. from other provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Horgan said he has heard his citizens' concerns that travellers from outside the province are contributing to the spread of COVID-19 in B.C. Last week, he said he would take legal advice, and late Thursday said in a statement that there are few legal options for restricting most interprovincial travel.
He suggested in a news release that his government would have to prove that harm was caused.
“We can impose restrictions on people travelling for non-essential purposes if they are causing harm to the health and safety of British Columbians.
“(But) much of current interprovincial travel is work-related and therefore cannot be restricted,” Horgan added. “Public health officials tell us what is most important is for everyone to obey health orders, wherever they are, rather than imposing mobility rules.”
The B.C. premier did say if COVID -19 transmission increases due to interprovincial travel, his government will seek to impose stronger restrictions on non-essential travellers.
During a recent First Ministers meeting, Horgan told his fellow premiers to carry a message back to their citizens that now is not the time for non-essential travel.
“The prime minister is exploring further international travel restrictions, and B.C. stands ready to assist,” he said. “We ask all British Columbians to stay close to home while vaccines become available.
“And to all Canadians outside of B.C., we look forward to your visit to our beautiful province when we can welcome you safely.”