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People can share their thoughts on B.C.’s pandemic response through an online survey.

Province launches pandemic response review

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 12:36 PDT, Fri March 18, 2022

Last Updated: 12:39 PDT, Fri March 18, 2022

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The province has launched an independent review and public consultation on government's operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic to better inform preparations and responses to future emergencies and ensure British Columbians are protected.

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.

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.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has appointed an independent project team to conduct a review of the B.C. public sector's response to COVID-19 since March 2020. The project team includes three long-time, former senior leaders of the BC Public Service: Bob de Faye; Dan Perrin; and Chris Trumpy. Together, they will bring extensive expertise in large-scale public-sector governance and operations.

The project team will engage extensively with government agencies, First Nations, Indigenous organizations, stakeholders, partners and independent regulators that have been involved in responding to the pandemic on behalf of British Columbians.

Until April 20, people in British Columbia 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.

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

The review will focus on operational responses to the pandemic by the B.C. government from January 2020 into 2022. It will not include assessment of the public policy decisions made by government to deal with the consequences of the pandemic and decisions made by the provincial health officer. Decisions made about economic recovery such as supports for small businesses and families will not be part of the review, but it will look at how these decisions were made.

Members of B.C.’s official opposition were unimpressed with the announcement.

“A full review of the pandemic response has been something the Official Opposition has called for repeatedly. (This) announcement makes a mockery of our request for a full independent review,” said Shirley Bond, leader of the official opposition and health critic.

The BC Liberals are calling for a review that includes public health decisions and the government response to providing support to British Columbians.

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

To participate in the public engagement until 4 p.m. (Pacific time) on April 20, click here.