B.C. vows to get tough on COVID-19 scofflaws
B.C. is cracking down on those who violate public health restrictions around COVID-19 by boosting enforcement and the collection of unpaid fines.
Premier John Horgan announced changes Wednesday, saying the public needs to adhere to social distancing, gathering and travel restrictions to curtail growth of the virus, even as the first vaccines begin to be administered.
“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,” Horgan said in a statement.
“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.”
As part of the change, government has instructed the Insurance Corp. of B.C., which has been designated the agency to collect fines, to send unpaid fines directly to collections after the 30-day dispute period ends. Currently, there's a one-year leeway before collection begins.
Tickets are $230 for refusing to wear a mask or attending a party at a home and $2,300 for organizing a gathering of more than 50 people or a business that serves liquor or food beyond an 11 p.m. curfew.
It's possible the province may also look to increase fines, though Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said that is complicated due to the legal threshold for an administrative penalty and an increase would likely need new legislation.
So far, only a small number of tickets have been issued since August: 66 tickets with $2,300 fines and 224 tickets with $230 fines.
Horgan said Tuesday that a small number of British Columbians still aren't following the rules.
“This is serious, this is not a lark, this I not something we do lightly,” he said.
“Those who do not want to obey the rules that the rest of us are following will have to pay the consequences. I don't believe you can put a price on public safety, particularly as we come to this very difficult second wave of a global pandemic.”
Bylaw officers, community safety inspectors, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gambling investigators and conservation officers are able to issue COVID-19 violation tickets under the Emergency Program Act. Police are also able to arrest and recommend charges for repeat or egregious offenders.
Farnworth said government is giving “more tools” to inspectors. “There's an additional emphasis on, while they are doing their job, if they come across violations or violators, to assist police in doing enforcement of orders,” he said.