Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, has issued the following statement on backcountry recreation safety:

The Special Investigations Unit with the BC Coroners Service has completed DNA analysis that confirms human remains found near Lake Cowichan on Dec. 22, 2017, are those of Darreld Stanley Rayner of Lake Cowichan.

The BC Coroners Service has concluded its investigation into the sinking of the Leviathan II whale-watching boat off Plover Reefs near Tofino on Oct. 25, 2015, which claimed six lives.

More than 1,400 British Columbians died due to suspected illicit drug overdoses in 2017, according to data released today by the BC Coroners Service.

Statement from Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth:

There are plenty of opportunities for unforgettable winter experiences throughout British Columbia, and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness Mike Farnworth is urging all outdoor enthusiasts to make safety their top priority.

When I took on my new role as parliamentary secretary on July 18, 2017, wildfires were sweeping through the Interior, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes and communities.

With the winter holidays almost upon us, the Office of the Fire Commissioner and Emergency Management BC are offering some fire safety advice to help ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season for all British Columbians.