The comment followed incidents at a handful of churches in which congregants have refused to obey the orders against in-person religious services.

“These irresponsible idiots need to look in the mirror...They are the problem...they don’t have the right to endanger the health of the public," said Mike Farnworth.

"This is not a game, and we have been very clear that Americans have been told that they have to follow these rules," said B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announced the move, effective immediately, to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the province amid a recent surge in cases.

More hot, dry temperatures are in the forecast as B.C. deals with more than 40 active wildfires across the province.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says a new legislative committee will be reviewing "systemic racism" in police forces across the province.

The chief of staff to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is calling for the Sergeant-at-Arms jobs to be turned into a ceremonial position.

The numbers, released to Global News in response to a Freedom of Information request, revealed officers issued 56 excessive speeding tickets in March and April compared to 39 during the same period last year.

The funding helps to replace cuts made in 2002 to sexual assault centres. 

"Some drivers seem to think the rules don't apply to them": B.C.'s top cop says he's shocked Saanich saw a 700 per cent spike in excessive speeding at the start of the pandemic.