By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
David Eby will be sworn in as BC’s next premier by Lt. Gov. Janet Austin this week at the Musqueam Community Centre in Vancouver.
While Eby will take the oath of office on Nov. 18, his cabinet will not be sworn in until Dec. 7 at Government House in Victoria.
Eby expressed his gratitude to Chief Wayne Sparrow, the Musqueam councillors and the Musqueam people for hosting the ceremony in their community.
“Because of their efforts, this event will be a powerful symbol of a shared vision for a province that delivers results for all British Columbians, in close partnership with Indigenous Peoples,” Eby said.
The BC Green Party meanwhile expressed their concern as early as Oct. 27 over what they see as an unacceptable delay to the swearing in of the premier-designate.
Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and House Leader for the BC Green Caucus asked why it is taking so long to get the premier up and running.
“This is completely unacceptable, there is no reason why there should be a month-long delay in transition. He has been absent from the House and now he’s cutting a week of session,” he said.
Noting that Eby is not new to the BC Legislature, having been a high ranking Member of the Cabinet since 2017, Olsen says, “he is certainly familiar with how government operates and there should not be this delay.
“He was at Government House just yesterday [Oct. 26] meeting with the Lieutenant Governor for yet another photo op, why not swear him in then?”
“It is deeply disappointing that now he has the top job he is reluctant to take his seat, get to work, and be held accountable.”
And last week the incoming premier announced the province will take over running a coordinated approach to address the worsening situation in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
Eby explained a “bottom line” approach means the province will take on the role of coordinating the services and measuring the outcomes.
This includes working with both the federal government and the City of Vancouver. It also means coordinating service delivery from the Vancouver Police Department, the court system and social service providers. Eby has also stated he does not support encampments, putting in place an immediate plan to address the ongoing situation with tents on East Hastings Street.
