National

B.C. Conservatives accuse Eby of spending on comedian speech writer as deficit grows

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Sep, 2025 10:16 AM

Premier David Eby says his office is cutting back on costs as he responds to claims by the Opposition B.C. Conservatives that his government is spending up to $450,000 for Vancouver-based comedian Charles Demers to write speeches.

Demers is one of five speech writers "necessary" for his job, Eby told an unrelated news conference on Tuesday. The value of Demers' contract so far has been $14,000, not "quite as sensational" as the Conservatives are claiming, he said.

The Conservatives released a copy of the contract on Tuesday between government and Demers showing an hourly rate of $165 for a total cost of $150,000 over two years, which could reach $450,000 if he were hired for two more one-year terms.

Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar says in a statement that the contract "exemplifies" the government's misplaced spending priorities in the face of B.C.'s deficit, forecast to reach a record high of $11.6 billion this fiscal year.

Milobar says Demers' contract is "not only tone-deaf" but "offensive" to taxpayers in B.C. as they face higher costs and businesses are struggling.

Demers posted a video on Instagram Tuesday in response, saying the Conservative figures were "hallucinatory" and "not in touch with any reality."

He said he would only receive $450,000 if he were to invoice for the maximum amount for the full length of the contract, then add a further $150,000.

Demers said he doesn't just write jokes for Eby, but rather "all kinds of things."

However, he acknowledged he wrote only jokes for former premier John Horgan.

"I've been a political writer longer than I've been a comedy writer," he added.

Eby said the use of contractors like Demers allows government to cut back on costs and his office is following suit as part of the plan to return to a balanced budget.

Demers said in his video that he is proud of the work he is doing for a government that he supports, and humour is a way for democratic leaders to connect with their constituents and help make their ideas "approachable and understandable."

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Woman hit with egg on Halloween treated in hospital, RCMP investigating as assault

Mounties in northern Alberta say they're investigating a possible assault after a woman was hit in the face with an egg while handing out candy on Halloween. RCMP in Grande Prairie say the woman was taken to hospital and treated for injuries to her face.

Woman hit with egg on Halloween treated in hospital, RCMP investigating as assault

Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap

Oil and gas producers in Canada will be required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about one-third over the next eight years under new regulations being published today by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. The regulations, still only in draft format and about two years behind schedule, could further strain relations between Ottawa and the Alberta government which recently launched a $7-million advertising campaign to "scrap the cap."

Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap

No strike notice so far as talks continue between Canada Post and workers' union

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers could have been in a legal strike position as of Sunday, after a cooling-off period in the contract talks ended the day before, but has yet to issue a strike notice. The union said Friday that a notice could still be issued "at any time" if talks break down.

No strike notice so far as talks continue between Canada Post and workers' union

Party leaders condemn violence at Hindu temple in Brampton amid India consular visit

India's high commission in Canada is condemning violence that erupted Sunday as Indian consular officials visited a Hindu temple in the Toronto suburb of Brampton. Videos circulating on social media appear to show demonstrators holding banners in support of a separate Sikh country called Khalistan clashing with others, including some holding India's national flag.

Party leaders condemn violence at Hindu temple in Brampton amid India consular visit

B.C. port employers to launch lockout at terminals as labour disruption begins

Employers at British Columbia ports say they are going ahead with locking out more than 700 foremen across the province after strike activities from union members began. The BC Maritime Employers Association says the lockout will begin on the 4:30 p.m. shift and continue until further notice but will not affect grain or cruise operations.

B.C. port employers to launch lockout at terminals as labour disruption begins

The hallways look the same and where are the bathrooms, say B.C.'s newly elected MLAs

A record number of first-time provincial politicians are about to descend on British Columbia's legislature, looking to make positive contributions for the province and trying to find the washrooms in the 127-year-old building. Fifty-seven new members from three parties, New Democrats, B.C. Conservatives and Greens, were elected to serve first terms in the 93-seat legislature in B.C. last month.