Today, David Eby was sworn in as British Columbia’s 37th Premier while surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and community members from across British Columbia.
In a ceremony held at the Musqueam Community Centre, Eby pledged to address the challenges people face while making significant improvements in the lives of British Columbians.
“British Columbia is a wonderful place to call home,” said Premier Eby. “At the same time, people feel uncertain about the future and worried about their families. I am proud of the work done by John Horgan and our government to put people first. And there is much more to do. I’m ready to work with my team to deliver results that people can see and feel in their lives and communities.”
The ceremony was organized by the Musqueam Indian Band, the first oath organized by a First Nation in British Columbia. Premier Eby and guests were greeted with traditional drumming and a welcome from Chief Wayne Sparrow, who hailed the event as an important symbol of a shared vision of reconciliation and strengthening government-to-government relations .
“Musqueam is pleased to host this historic event in our community. David Eby is BC’s first premier to swear in a First Nation, an encouraging sign that he is committed to reconciliation and genuine partnerships with First Nations,” he said the Chief Sparrow (yəχʷyaχʷələq). “Musqueam wants reconciliation to be more than a buzzword. We want action that creates substantial and positive change for Musqueam and all Indigenous people in BC. We will look to First Eby to provide the leadership needed to truly implement Indigenous rights and create a prosperous future for all British Columbians.”
The Prime Minister promised swift action on the most pressing issues facing British Columbians: fixing the housing crisis, making communities safer, strengthening health care and acting on climate change. All work will be done in close collaboration with indigenous peoples, as well as federal and municipal governments.
Premier Eby’s first action as premier is two new cost-of-living credits for BC residents and businesses to help people with bills, groceries or transportation costs:
- a one-time cost-of-living credit of $100 for BC Hydro customers, equivalent to one month’s electricity expenses for most single-family homeowners; i
- a new BC Affordability Credit to help low- and middle-income people with rising costs.
The new BC Affordability Credit will provide up to an additional $164 per adult and $41 per child, or up to $410 for a family with two children earning $43,051, with a sliding scale of credits for families earning up to $150,051 dollars
Speakers were invited to share stories and reflect on the values Eby will bring to the role of premier, including community members and advocates with whom he worked throughout his political career and many years of legal advocacy in the public interest.
Quick facts:
- David Eby is the 37th Premier of British Columbia.
- He was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver-Point Gray in 2013, serving as the opposition’s critic for housing and gaming policy.
- After the BC NDP formed government in 2017, Eby was appointed attorney general and minister responsible for ICBC, gaming and liquor. In 2020, Eby was appointed minister responsible for housing.
- Eby lives in Vancouver with his wife, Dr. Cailey Lynch, a practicing family physician, and their children, Ezra and Iva.
Quotes:
BC Ferries Board Chair and former Cabinet Minister Joy MacPhail:
“When big issues call for bold action, it’s good to have someone with a calm, considered approach. David Eby is that person. He is always measured and open to innovative ideas. I saw this first hand when we worked together to fix what was broken at ICBC. David put out the dumpster fire and turned rate hikes into discounts for people. It will be exciting to see David and his team tackle the issues facing people in housing, public safety and health care. There is no doubt that David has the right approach for these challenging times. He’s always thinking about how to achieve results that improve everyone’s life.”
Shirley Chan, Vancouver Point Grey, community advocate and 2020 Order of BC recipient –
“As an MLA, David has always been accessible to people and committed to addressing issues big and small in his community. I connected with David because of my efforts to prevent the displacement of seniors in Chinatown and I found him open, willing to listen and take advice to find the best way forward. It gives me hope to hear that David will step into the role of Premier, because I believe he will be a strong champion for the people of BC.”
Ayaan Jeraj, high school student and Vancouver Youth Parliament Prime Minister –
“As a young person interested in building communities, I am inspired by David’s commitment to public service. I know my generation will face many challenges, from climate change to housing affordability, and seeing David’s commitment to tackling these challenges gives me hope for the future.”
John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca, 36th Premier of British Columbia –
“When we formed government, I assigned David Eby to deal with some of our toughest issues. He put out the ICBC dumpster fire and ended an era of money laundering that was ignored by a previous government. He is a roll-up-your-sleevesman who will work hard to improve the lives of British Columbians.”