Humanitarian Support During COVID-19

In 2021 and through 2022, the Federal Government entrusted St. John Ambulance BCY with two crucial COVID-19 projects, recognizing our organization’s expertise and commitment to serving Canadian communities. These mission-critical initiatives involved collaborating with Immigrant Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and partnering with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), focusing on supporting asylum seekers and returning Canadians, respectively.
The heart of both programs lay in providing vital first aid, medical support, and day-to-day care during the mandatory 14-day quarantine period at the Kelowna and Surrey quarantine sites in British Columbia. These individuals, whether asylum seekers or returning Canadians, lacked the necessary support networks to meet the quarantine requirements upon entry or reentry to Canada.

Ready to deploy at a moment’s notice throughout the year, our volunteers demonstrated their readiness and flexibility, often with little more than 24 hours’ notice. As they’ve done for over a century across BC, and in the Yukon, St. John Ambulance volunteers rose to the occasion, offering their assistance, expertise, and compassionate care. Their willingness to step up and provide critical support showcases their extraordinary commitment to serving those in need.
As vaccination rates increased and COVID-19 cases subsided, the need for quarantine sites diminished. In late September 2022, after multiple extensions, the federal government made the decision to close the sites and conclude the contracts.

The opportunity to lead these critical programs speaks volumes about the trust placed in St. John Ambulance BCY. Our volunteers have made an indelible impact, leaving a legacy of compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment. We are proud to have been at the forefront, serving our communities and playing a pivotal role in the fight against COVID-19.