Province launches pandemic review, Liberals pan limited scope

The B.C. Liberals are disappointed with how the Horgan government plans to conduct an independent review into its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opposition leader Shirley Bond said the NDP’s decision to severely limit the scope of the review is troubling but “consistent with the government’s ongoing lack of transparency.”

The Liberals say the project should also include public health decisions and the government’s response to providing support to residents.

“A review that is limited in scope and provides no recommendations is not a review at all,” Bond remarked.

In making the announcement, the province said the review and public consultation will focus on the operational response between January 2020 until 2022, to help better prepare and respond to future emergencies.

“The goal is to learn about how government agencies worked together to address the effects of COVID-19 that affected everyone, changed rapidly and continues to cause a high level of uncertainty,” Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth stated.

Farnworth said the review will include what aspects of preparedness, engagement, communications and implementation worked well, what changes were made to improve operational effectiveness as the pandemic evolved, and what improvements can be made to better prepare for pandemics and emergencies.

The minister confirmed the scope of the review does not include an assessment of the public policy decisions made by government or decisions made by the provincial health officer. Decisions made about economic recovery, such as supports for small businesses and families will also not be part of it but it will look at how these decisions were made.

The appointed project team includes three long-time, former senior leaders of the B.C. Public Service: Bob de Faye; Dan Perrin; and Chris Trumpy.

Until April 20, people can provide written feedback about how they, or their business or organization, has been affected by government’s operational measures and communication throughout the pandemic. Click here to participate.

A report with a summary of the findings is expected by fall.

Click here to view the terms of reference for the review.