Here's how many COVID-19-related tickets have been handed out in B.C.
More than a million dollars' worth in health-order and quarantine violation tickets have been handed out in B.C. since the summer after COVID-19 arrived in the province.
Fines for breaking COVID-19 public health orders were first introduced in B.C. in August 2020. The amounts of the tickets vary, depending on the offence. For example, $230 or $575 fines can be given to individuals who don't comply with a health order. However, event organizers and business owners can be fined $2,300.
Over a span of nearly 17 months – between Aug. 21, 2020 and Jan. 14, 2022 – police and other enforcement officers issued $1,630,700 in COVID fines. More than 60 per cent of the dollar value of those fines was given to business owners and event organizers who broke health orders on gatherings and events.
In total, there were 2,362 tickets handed out and of those, 1,739 were $230 ones gives to individuals.
About seven months after the fines were first introduced, some became more expensive. For example, instead of $230, tickets for those who promoted or attended a non-compliant event cost $575. The province said 108 of those were issued.
In addition to fines for breaking B.C.-specific health orders, another 238 violation tickets were given to people who broke the federal government's Quarantine Act. The province didn't break down the cost of those individual tickets, but said the total was just over $636,500.
The province didn't say how many of these tickets have actually been paid. However, new legislation that came into effect last year means those who don't pay their fine won't only face collections, but could be refused a new or renewed driver's licence. Section 26.1 of the Motor Vehicle Act was updated to say ICBC may refuse a licence to anyone who is "indebted to the government" because they didn't pay a fine under "the COVID-19 Related Measure Act."
"That small minority of persons who have been fined for violating the rules in place to protect us all are going to be held accountable for the debt they owe," Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said last May, when that new legislation was announced.
Several COVID-19 orders remain in place in B.C. and this week, many were extended until at least mid-February.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.