The BC Coroners Service will hold a coroner’s inquest into the death of Samantha Nicole Patrick, beginning on July 24, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at the Burnaby Coroners Court (20th floor, 4720 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Metrotown).

Though the risk of death posed by the unregulated drug supply remains extremely high, the number of deaths in British Columbia due to drug toxicity decreased from near-record levels in April to 176 lives lost in the month of May.

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).

Vulnerable youth, Indigenous communities and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals on southern Vancouver Island will have enhanced supports from the Pacific Centre Family Services Association with new funding from the Province.

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.

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: