Health alerts such as outbreaks, boil water advisories and product recalls can come from various trusted sources throughout British Columbia, in your local Health Authority area, and across Canada. This section of our website brings together all of these alerts in one location.
Heath authorities are responsible for providing up-to-date public health information in their communities. We have divided this section into topics with links to provincial and health authority specific information. These resources help you get access to the information and services where you live.
Beginning Monday, December 29, the Emergency Department at Mission Memorial Hospital will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing the community with clear, reliable, and predictable access to emergency care.
The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it can also bring about challenges—from changes in health care schedules to added emotional stress. Planning ahead for your physical and mental well-being is essential. Whether it’s refilling prescriptions, knowing where to find care, or taking steps to manage stress and stay connected, Island Health encourages everyone to prepare for a safe and healthy holiday season.
Lacey Burnett, a registered nurse at the Chilliwack Urgent and Primary Care Centre, plays an important role in assessing patients and offering guidance on care at home to help families manage symptoms during respiratory illness season.
The holiday season often carries expectations of “holly-jolly" celebrations with family, friends, and community. While this may be true for some, it isn't the reality for everyone. Colder weather, reduced sunlight, more time indoors, and hectic schedules can contribute to unhappiness or even depression.
'Tis the season to be jolly – but it's also flu season. As health care professionals serving First Nations people in BC, we want to share some simple steps to help you and your loved ones enjoy the holidays.
First things first: get your flu shot
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement on mental-health supports for the holiday season:
“As the holiday season begins, I want to extend warm wishes on behalf of our government to everyone across British Columbia. This time of year can bring joy, connection and celebration, and it also brings added pressure. Shorter days, colder weather and expectations around gatherings and routines can make it more difficult to manage feelings of stress, loneliness, anxiety or grief. No matter what this season brings for you, it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and that support is available.
As the frost starts to crackle, temperatures fall and winter weather sets in, the season can bring unique challenges—from heavy rain to flooding and power outages. With holiday gatherings underway, preparation becomes even more important to keep everyone healthy and safe.
Should I bring my child to the emergency room? Most parents have asked this question. Here are some guidelines around when to treat illnesses at home and when to seek emergency care.
Southern regions of British Columbia are currently experiencing flooding and travel disruptions as a powerful atmospheric river brings record-breaking rainfall.
Don’t skip your influenza (flu) shot this year: Fraser Health is reminding everyone that immunization makes a difference.
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
Last updated: November 14, 2025
Air Quality Advisories may be issued in many areas of BC when there are high concentrations of fine particulate matter primarily due to smoke from wildfires burning throughout BC and Washington State. Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds, temperatures, and wildfire behaviour change.
For information on air quality advisories, warnings when air pollution levels exceed limits and Smoky Skies Bulletin announcements regarding wildfire smoke, visit the Government of British Columbia's Air Quality Advisories.
For information on emergencies and natural disasters affecting the province such as floods, wildfires, and earthquakes and other emergencies that require public awareness and action, visit the EmergencyInfoBC page.
B.C.’s regional health authorities are also responsible for issuing notifications about drinking water quality. The three water notification levels range from the least to most serious and include water quality advisory, boil water advisory and a “do not use water” notice. To learn more about these advisory levels and their impact, visit the Government of British Columbia: Water quality notifications page.
For water quality notifications in your specific health authority, visit:
Food safety and inspections in British Columbia are managed by health authorities, ensuring food is safe to eat and that food premises comply with regulatory requirements to protect public health. Learn more about provincial food safety and security on the Government of British Columbia: Food Safety & Security web page.
For your specific health authority specific information, visit:
For latest updates from your health authority, see:
The HealthLink BC Directory provides listings for health services provided by the provincial government, provincial health authorities, and non-profit agencies across the province. You can search for walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals, mental health programs, home care programs, pharmacy services, laboratory services, and more. To start searching, visit HealthLink BC Directory.
Mental health and substance use concerns can affect many British Columbians whether they are family, neighbors or co-workers. To learn more, visit the HealthLinkBC Mental Health and Substance Use page. Services available provincially include the following:
For health authority specific services and resources, visit:
BC Housing supports three types of emergency shelters serving people experiencing homelessness:
Visit the BC Housing shelter program fact sheet (PDF, 130KB) and learn more through BC Housing's Emergency Shelter Program. To find an emergency shelter visit the visit the shelter map.
EmergencyInfoBC will share verified cold weather event information during emergencies, including cold weather advisories and warming centres.
You can also visit the EmergencyInfoBC live map for information on warming centres, public warming spaces, and Emergency Support Services reception centres.
For other cold weather-related resources visit the Your health this winter health feature. You can also learn more about Cold weather resources for emergency planning and response - Province of British Columbia.
EmergencyInfoBC will share verified hot weather event information during emergencies, including extreme heat advisories and cooling centres. In response to extreme heat, First Nations and local governments in affected areas may open emergency cooling centres or general cooling spaces. Locations may be listed on EmergencyMapBC at the discretion of local governments. If cooling locations are not listed on the map in your area, contact your Band office or local government. See the BC Housing website for shelter information throughout BC.
For other heat-related resources, visit the Beat the Heat and Your health this summer health features. Additional information is also available on the Government of British Columbia: Be prepared for extreme heat and drought webpage.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Call toll-free in B.C., 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing to get personalized assistance. Speak to a navigator who can guide you to reliable health information or connect you with a health professional. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
