The BC government has released the results of an “independent review” of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic..The review assessed preparations for COVID-19, the processes used to make decisions, government communication related to the response, and the implementation of response measures..“Government is committed to protecting British Columbians and keeping people, businesses, and communities safe during emergencies, whether it be a local wildfire or global pandemic,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth Friday..“The independent review was conducted to help government continue to strengthen and improve its emergency management protocols for future emergencies.”.Farnworth announced the review in March this year, appointing three “long-time, former senior leaders of the BC Public Service” to spearhead the task..The trio included Bob De Faye, former deputy minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, former public servant Dan Perrin of the public policy consultancy firm Perrin, Thorau & Associates, and a former deputy minister of Finance and Environment, Chris Trumpy..The online public engagement survey ran from March 16 until April 30, and while the review rates BC’s response as “strong” and “generally successful,” it also highlights that the government should "rebuild trust.".“Public health, its focus on the population as opposed to the individual, and its approach of balancing the harm caused by the disease with social and economic consequences were not well understood. The long duration of the event surprised everyone,” reads the report..“Divisive mandatory requirements related to masking and vaccination, and emerging communications issues contributed to a reduction in trust. It is important that the reservoir of trust be refilled in order for government to be prepared for the next province-wide emergency.”.The report’s entire 26 recommendations go as follows:.Rebuild trustImprove preparationsImprove planningEnhance its ability to respondMaintain relationshipsMitigate supply chain disruptionRecognize social supply chain importanceImprove decision-makingRespond with suitable approachesRedefine Emergency Management BC’s role for province-wide emergenciesLearn from unintended consequencesBuild public health knowledgeImprove health data collectionImprove communicationsBuild tolerance for uncertaintyExplain decisionsExplain the transparency/privacy tradeoffImprove implementationImprove public health order rolloutRefine use of public health toolsBe prepared to enforceShare goals to collaborate on meansLeverage non-government resourcesCo-develop indigenous preparedness roleRespect indigenous jurisdictionAddress pandemic overlaps and gaps.“In summary, the pandemic has provided some key lessons that can be applied to ensure that BC is better prepared for the next province-wide emergency,” concludes the report, which despite its list of future recommendations was overall complimentary of the government..The project team spoke with more than 200 people representing about 145 organizations over 70 sessions, and received more than 15,000 responses to the public survey..Reiterating that COVID-19 was an “unprecedented global event,” Farnworth said the province moved quickly to “keep people safe” and, by his analysis, “stop the spread of the virus.” Officials further boasted that the report showcased the province’s response as “strong, showing resiliency, balance, and nimbleness.”.There’s currently a legal challenge underway against the province’s previously implemented COVID-19 related policies..READ MORE: 'We've never been closer to accountability': Organization suing Henry gears up for hearing
