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.
The summer festival season is here and while outdoor events are a great way to connect and celebrate, they can also come with preventable health risks. With a little preparation and awareness, most risks can be reduced so people can focus on enjoying the experience.
There's always potential for extended hot temperatures in the summer. Here's what you can do to ensure you and your family remain safe and healthy this summer.
Island Health continues to provide safe care during ongoing nursing job action. We have plans in place to keep essential services available where picketing occurs and to help people get the care they need. Some services may be delayed or rescheduled. Please check the service updates below before you go.
Throughout summer in BC, we expect to see more wildfire smoke in the air in different parts of the province. Breathing in wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose and throat, cause you to cough and wheeze and give you a headache. It can also lead to more serious and longer-term effects, especially for people with pre-existing health conditions.
The BCNU initiated job action on Thursday, July 2 at 12:01 p.m., beginning with overtime restrictions and a ban on non-nursing duties.
Most people picture splashing and shouting, but drowning is almost always silent and happens quickly, a reality Island Health is urging people to watch for as summer starts.
With summer festivals and events ramping up, Fraser Health is encouraging people who use substances to stay safe and look out for one another by accessing free, confidential drug checking services and following simple health tips.
Bats play an essential role in B.C.'s ecosystem, providing natural pest control and plant pollination. Bats can also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including rabies. In B.C., bats are the only known “reservoirs” of rabies, meaning they can carry the disease and pass it on without showing signs of the disease themselves.
Canadian Injury Prevention Day highlights simple steps to keep First Nations families and communities safe.
Drug poisonings are increasing in Greater Victoria. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.
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
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
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.
