A death review panel examining the deaths of people who died during or within 24 hours following contact with police in B.C. says police are a de facto part of the mental health system and that the role of policing should be incorporated into the provincial mental health strategy, highlighting that more assessment and training opportunities exist.

The BC Coroners Service has released two updated reports on illicit drug deaths and fentanyl-detected deaths to the end of March 2019.

British Columbians now have more resources for creating an emergency kit. The Partners in Preparedness program has expanded to include outdoor recreation retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). 

The British Columbia government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Central Coast Regional District (CCRD) and the Nuxalk Nation to better co-ordinate efforts to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies in the Bella Coola valley.

Another six communities have been approved to receive a share of approximately $3 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support emergency social services.

With the start of a new year, make a resolution to be better prepared for potential emergencies.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has issued the following statement on wind storm recovery efforts: