Signs of the holiday season are everywhere, as lights are strung on people’s homes and decorated trees stand in front windows.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia:

North Shore Rescue is the first ground search and rescue organization approved to participate in a pilot project to help search and rescue groups extend their aerial search and transport operating hours using a night-vision imaging system (NVIS).

Indigenous peoples living in urban areas are receiving increased supports to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through new provincial funding for friendship centres throughout B.C.

Local governments and First Nations in B.C. stand to benefit from the renewal of a flood mitigation funding program.

As winter settles in and calls for search and rescue continue to rise, people are urged to plan and prepare before heading into B.C.’s backcountry.

The Province of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.