We have a new COVID-19 misinformation problem.

But this time it’s coming from John Horgan’s government.

Increasing evidence is coming to light that the BCNDP government has been systematically withholding COVID-19 data.

Vaughn Palmer published an Op-Ed on this issue on September 27, 2021.

“The ministry was at a loss to adequately explain the reasons for the withholding, apart from some gobbledygook about data being compiled for different purposes and reported in different ways,” wrote Palmer.

The BCNDP government has started reversing its approach, but it would seem that this is only in response to investigations from journalists and pressure from parent groups.

Palmer’s conclusion? “…the systematic withholding of information may serve a political purpose of making B.C.’s record look better than it is.”

But politicizing information like this is dangerous.

Parents, families, businesses, and people with underlying health conditions are making important health decisions based on data provided by the BC government.

At a time when trust in government is being challenged, the BCNDP has a responsibility to maintain the integrity of our system – a system that is built on trust.

We are in a moment of rampant misinformation. We shouldn’t have to second guess whether the BCNDP government is itself a source of misinformation on the pandemic.

John Horgan, trust us with the data so that we can trust you with your decisions.