Public Letter to the Provincial Government

Honourable Josie Osborne
Minister of Municipal Affairs
PO Box 9056 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E2

Dear Minister Osborne,

Re: Provincial Public Health Orders

For almost two years, everyone in this province has been working towards an end to this pandemic. It is clear to us that some local residents are frustrated and confused; and we understand that frustration when the communications are not complete. These residents believe that the municipalities have the ability to cancel the mandates at our facilities in place in response to Provincial COVID-19 mandates.

As these are Provincial Health Orders, this anger against local government is misdirected. MLA's are required to advance these concerns on their behalf, by directly contacting the Provincial Government and communicate with their constituents.
We encourage the Province to publicly communicate the requirements and obligations of local governments to comply with the law by:

• informing the public that these are Provincial Government orders from the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Health Officer of the Province and do not originate with the municipality,
• provide messaging to MLA's to share with their residents to voice their concerns through the appropriate channel, and
• ensuring all the Province's elected Members of the Legislative Assembly step up to provide information and guidance to residents who oppose these provincial policies.

Sincerely,

Mayor Lori Ackerman

A copy of the letter can be found here. [PDF - 293 KB]