BC Premier John Horgan on vacation as wildfires burn, critics question timeline

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The hashtag #whereisHorgan is gaining traction online as many take to social media to denounce the premier’s absence in recent days, with the opposition harshly criticizing the decision to leave the province as Forest fires continue to force thousands of people to flee their homes.

Sources confirmed to NEWS 1130 on Monday that he was on vacation in Atlantic Canada. His office told NEWS 1130 that he was absent.

“While spending time with his family away from the office, Premier Horgan was briefed daily, sometimes several times a day, of the significant issues and crises facing British Columbians,” the statement said.

“Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has given direction to his ministers and the public service to keep people safe. “

He will be back on Thursday.

The timing of the trip is questioned by many as the province remains in a state of emergency as wildfires have forced thousands to leave their homes.

Overnight, at least 60 properties were lost north of West Kelowna in the Killiney area, which is the popular Okanagan Lake resort area. Forest fires over the weekend shut down the Coquihalla highway and sparked a wave of new evacuation orders and alerts in the already hard-hit southern interior. Provincial officials are pleading with people to avoid non-essential travel to the area in order to leave room for evacuees and room for crews to work.

Horgan should be “in the foreground”: the leader of the opposition

The leader of the official opposition is among those who criticize the Premier’s decision to leave the province at such a “devastating” time.

Liberal MP Shirley Bond says it’s not enough for Horgan to be informed – he needs to be available and communicate directly with the people of British Columbia

“I think most people would expect that when we face the kind of challenge that we face in our province today, the Premier would be at the forefront, making sure he is showing leadership. leadership during this very difficult time. I think most people were quite surprised to find out that he was actually on vacation, ”she says.

“I think what people need to know right now is that the Prime Minister and the government are supporting them. I think we all recognize that there are people working on the ground, tirelessly, day in and day out, trying to save people and property. We need a Prime Minister who is present.

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Bond says she learned Horgan was across the country from media reports and was unable to tell affected voters where the BC leader was.

“I was inundated with questions about where he is and my response was, ‘You’re going to have to ask him because I don’t know,'” she told NEWS 1130.

“There will be a lot of tough questions when this is over. “

Well maybe @jjhorgan should have considered that before leaving the province and when he is forced to finally give an answer it means that he will be back on Thursday !! Despite explosive fire behavior last night and non-stop alerts, orders – he’s staying on vacation ?? https://t.co/WMaehqqpr0

Shirley Bond (@shirleybond) August 16, 2021

On Twitter, many others echo Bond’s concerns, even going so far as to publish a fake missing persons report.

pic.twitter.com/nGg2cOK4TT

Crystal Mundy (@crystalmundypsy) August 15, 2021

Among the critics is Liberal MP Peter Milobar, whose Thompson-Kamloops region includes communities threatened by rapid forest fires.

He tweeted, “Another example of why [the Premier] be really available for a [State of Emergency] the fire season is important. Do you know who is calling the PM on behalf of British Columbia? The first ! # Where’s Horgan? “

Another example ???? of why @jjhorgan actually being available during an SOE fire season is important. Do you know who is calling the PM on behalf of #BC? The first ! # WhereEstHorgan #bcpoli #BCWildfire @TNRD https://t.co/3h1xtFLMp9

– Peter Milobar (@PeterMilobar) August 16, 2021

Others go so far as to call for the resignation of the Prime Minister.

#WhereIsHorgan Looks like he and Kenney are blowing it up for the rest of us.Provincial Covid now measures BC. # ResignHorgan pic.twitter.com/cGstXACowW

– patti (@bad_batch_rex) August 16, 2021

With files from Liza Yuzda and John Ackermann

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