Restart plan for B.C. coming Tuesday: minister

The British Columbia government is poised to announce details of a provincial restart plan next week to support the post-pandemic economy.

Ravi Kahlon, B.C.'s economic recovery minister, told the legislature Thursday a restart announcement is coming next week, but he provided few other details.

"The premier has already indicated that the provincial health officer and the premier will be announcing what the restart plan may look like on Tuesday next week and there will be more information for everyone at that time," he said.

Join Premier John Horgan, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer, for an update on COVID-19. #CovidBC https://t.co/L5FpBwLtux

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) May 20, 2021

Kahlon made the comments during question period, where the Opposition Liberals called for a structured economic plan to help businesses survive the downturns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our businesses in B.C. are struggling," said interim Liberal Leader Shirley Bond. "They need certainty and what they need from this government is to finally give them a plan."

B.C.'s restart plan must include set targets and timelines for businesses, she said.

The province has been under health restrictions for several weeks that closed indoor dining and group fitness activities and limits travel.

The restrictions were announced in an effort to reduce the COVID-19 case counts as more infections variants of concern became the dominant strains.

Kahlon acknowledged the hardships faced by businesses and B.C. residents and urged people to register for vaccinations and get immunized.

"People are tired," he said. "This pandemic has been hard on everyone."

We have good news that will make a difference in the lives of many families. We are now vaccinating people ages 12 and up!

Help put the pandemic behind us by registering today and encouraging everyone in your life to do the same.

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) May 20, 2021

COVID-19 case counts in B.C. have been declining in recent weeks as immunizations increase following record-high numbers of hospitalizations and COVID-19 infections.

The Ontario government announced Thursday a three-step reopening plan set to start on the week of June 14.

It said the plan to lift public health restrictions will be based on vaccination rates and other indicators.

Ontario also said it also planned to reopen outdoor recreational facilities on Saturday.