B.C. flooding prompts provincial state of emergency; more fatalities expected to be confirmed
A state of emergency has been declared in B.C. following a storm that left parts of the province under water and debris.
Speaking publicly for the first time since announcing he needed a biopsy for what was later diagnosed as cancer, Premier John Horgan announced the declaration Wednesday.
The state of emergency came into effect at noon, Horgan said.
"The last few days have been incredibly difficult for British Columbians who have experienced yet another natural disaster," he said.
"Heavy rains, strong winds, flooding have devastated entire communities of our province."
Thousands of people have been forced out of their homes, he said, and at least one person has died.
"Sadly, we expect to confirm more fatalities in the coming days," Horgan said.
The premier said he's spoken to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has offered federal resources, and added B.C. has now formally requested the assistance of the Canadian Armed Forces.
He said the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario have also offered support.
And with a state of emergency, there will be more options available on the provincial level when it comes to responding to the natural disaster.
"The order will preserve basic access to services and supplies for communities across the province," Horgan said.
The declaration made by Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth will be used to help mitigate impacts on transportation networks, he said.
The state of emergency followed recommendations from the Ministry of Transportation and Emergency Management B.C.
Calling the impact of the storm "utter devastation," Farnworth said getting B.C.'s railways and roadways operating again will be the province's top priority.
This is in addition to providing support for the approximately 17,775 people who've had to leave their homes due to evacuation orders.
Earlier this week, a group representing B.C. First Nations called on the province to take such action.
In a news release addressed the government Tuesday, the group wrote that such a state would allow easier access to support for members affected by what one provincial official called the "worst weather storm in a century."
The First Nations Leadership Council said many nations are under evacuation order or alert, and are struggling to navigate the complicated provincial system for emergency funding.
"B.C. must deploy all available resources and enact extraordinary measures. This can only happen by declaring a state of emergency," the FNLC wrote.
Calling a state of emergency gives the province extra powers under the Emergency Program Act. For example, during the state prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a state of emergency allowed officials to fine those caught breaking certain orders issued by the provincial health officer.
These states also allow the province to make payments or grants to local authorities, implement emergency plans, acquire or use personal property necessary to respond to an emergency, control or prohibit travel and order evacuations, among other things.
By default, a state of emergency remains in place for two weeks, at which time it can be renewed. However, they can also be called off at any time.
In its call for a state of emergency, the FNLC quoted Grand Chief Stewart Philip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs as saying, "As extreme weather events ravage across B.C., First Nations continue to bear the brunt of climate change impacts and have been forced to flee their homes again. The unprecedented and continuing weather events prove that this is no longer a climate crisis; we are in an ongoing climate emergency, and lives and communities are at imminent risk."
This is a developing news story. Check back for more information.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

LIVE UPDATES 'A very exciting day': Zelenskyy speaks to Parliament, Trudeau to offer $650M in Ukraine aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will soon be addressing a joint session of Canada's Parliament, making his case for continued support amid Russia's ongoing invasion. CTV News has confirmed that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will announce $650M in additional military assistance, as part of this historic visit. Follow along for live updates.
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, wife indicted on bribe charges as probe finds $100K in gold bars, prosecutors say
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his wife were indicted Friday on bribery charges after an investigation that turned up US$100,000 in gold bars and $480,000 in hidden cash at their home, prosecutors said.
Former senior RCMP official Cameron Ortis is fighting his spying charges with a Charter challenge
The trial of Cameron Ortis, a former RCMP intelligence official accused of providing top-secret national security data to unauthorized persons, could be derailed by a constitutional challenge just days before jury selection.
TREND LINE Conservatives extend summer lead over Liberals, NDP sees bump in Nanos ballot tracking
With the fall sitting of Parliament underway, Nanos ballot tracking shows the federal Conservatives continue to hold onto the lead they’ve had all summer while the Liberals remain stalled, and the NDP has managed to gain a bit of steam in third place.
Canada Post reviewing use of address data following criticism from privacy watchdog
Canada Post says it is reviewing how it uses data for tailored marketing campaigns after the federal privacy watchdog found the post office was breaking the law by gleaning information from the outsides of envelopes and packages.
McNaughton is third Ford cabinet minister to resign in past 3 weeks
Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton announced on Friday he is stepping away from politics after accepting a job in the private sector. McNaughton is the third minister to resign from Premier Doug Ford's cabinet this month, though he said his departure is not connected to the unfolding Greenbelt development scandal.
Guantanamo judge rules 9/11 defendant unfit for trial after panel finds abuse rendered him psychotic
A military judge at Guantanamo Bay has ruled a 9/11 defendant incompetent to stand trial after a military medical panel found that the man's abuse in CIA custody years earlier had rendered him psychotic.
Ontario woman issues warning about scam involving fake Service Canada employee that cost her $50K
An Ontario woman is warning others after a fraudster impersonating a Service Canada employee convinced her to empty out $50,000 from her bank account.
Cyber security officials urge 'vigilance' against threats as Zelenskyy visits Canada
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Canada, top security officials are re-issuing a call to 'adopt a heightened state of vigilance, and to bolster … awareness of and protection against malicious cyber threats.'