Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement about the City of Surrey’s report on the Surrey policing transition:

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that a public inquest into the death of Howard Barry Shantz will begin on July 4, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at the Burnaby Coroners Court (20th floor, 4720 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Metrotown).

The Province is providing $1.6 million for a new campaign to help educate people about proper smoke-alarm use and reducing fire risks, which will save lives and protect first responders.

The Law Foundation of British Columbia will be working with government to develop a plan to distribute $3 million in new funding for restorative justice in B.C.

To support B.C.’s commitment to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, the B.C. government has provided a grant of $5.5 million to continue the Path Forward Community Fund managed by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC).

A public inquest into the death of Edward James Waddell will begin on June 12, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at the Kelowna Law Courts, 1355 Water St.

Preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service shows that communities throughout the province continue to be devastated by deaths due to unregulated drugs, with 814 lives lost in the first four months of 2023.

Survivors of gender-based violence throughout the province will soon have better access to critical services they need in times of crisis.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in recognition of National Police Week, May 14-20, 2023: