Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner, has released the following statement on her future with the BC Coroners Service and the B.C. Public Service:

At least 2,039 lives have been lost to unregulated drugs in the first 10 months of 2023, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement about the first unexplained wealth order application filing:

A coroner’s inquest into the deaths of Mary Ann Garlow and Dennis James Guay will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2024, at the Burnaby Coroners’ Court (20th floor, 4720 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Metrotown, Burnaby).

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in response to recent threats of violence to extort money from people:

Community organizations throughout the province that have experienced or are at risk of experiencing hate-motivated crimes are encouraged to submit grant applications for the Anti-Hate Community Support Fund.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement regarding Surrey’s transition to the Surrey Police Service (SPS):

A report issued by a panel of subject-matter experts recommends the Province immediately pursue additional measures to expand access to safer supply by allowing access for people at risk of significant injury or death without a prescription.

A coroner’s inquest into the death of Aaron Lee Prince will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2023, at the Nanaimo Law Courts (35 Front St.).