Health Protection
The Health Protection Branch is responsible for developing and implementing legislation, policies and programs in the area of environmental health protection. The branch works to protect public health and safety in the following areas:
- air quality
- bed bugs
- drinking water and recreational water quality
- food safety and security
- industrial camps
- personal services establishments (including indoor tanning facilities)
- radiation protection
- sewage systems
- diseases carried by mammals and insects (vector-borne diseases)
- other environmental health risks
To find out more about these subjects, click on the links in the menu bar. Note: The Community Care Licensing program has moved to the Home, Community and Integrated Care Branch.
The Health Protection Branch provides advice on legislation and policy issues to the health authorities, BC Centre for Disease Control and Provincial Health Officer. Environmental health protection programs are administered by the health authorities’ medical health officers (MHOs) and environmental health officers (EHOs).
MHOs and EHOs inspect and monitor activities and premises that may affect the public's health. They also administer and enforce provincial legislation related to environmental health, and provide interventions to minimize health and safety hazards.
B.C. Health Protection Legislation
Drinking Water Protection Act
Fish Inspection Act
Food Safety Act
Milk Industry Act
Public Health Act
See the Ministry of Health’s Public Health Act web site for more information on this act.
Outdoor Air Quality Legislation (administered by the Ministry of Environment)
Top