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ARTICLE · 22 APRIL 2020

B.C.'s Use Of Extraordinary Powers And The Implications On Businesses In The Supply Chain

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On March 26, 2020, British Columbia Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, issued the Local Authorities and Essential Goods and Supplies (COVID-19) Order...

CanadaCoronavirus (COVID-19)
Edwin G. Kroft
Edwin G. Kroft
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On March 26, 2020, British Columbia Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, issued the Local Authorities and Essential Goods and Supplies (COVID-19) Order pursuant to powers granted to him under the Emergency Program Act.  

The Order marks an unprecedented use of B.C.'s extraordinary powers to respond to COVID-19 pandemic, enabling greater governmental control over the supply chain of "essential goods and supplies", including on the distribution, transportation, and storage of such goods. 

Background on the Use of Extraordinary Powers

The Emergency Program Act1 gives the minister the power to declare a state of emergency in the province for a variety of reasons. A provincial state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 was declared on March 18, 2020. When announced on March 18, the state of emergency was initially put into effect for 14 days, but is subject to any necessary extension or rescission. (For information on such declarations

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