What is David Eby's Track Record?
Background
David Eby, the Premier of British Columbia, has navigated a challenging path in Canadian politics, marked by unexpected hurdles and controversies, while maintaining a focus on core issues like housing and public policy. In a recent interview, Eby reflected on his political journey, shedding light on his experiences, achievements, and the complexities he has faced as a leader.
Eby's entry into politics was far from smooth; he lost three elections before finally securing a seat in the provincial legislature. His early career in opposition provided him with valuable lessons, allowing him to understand the workings of government in a less pressured environment.
When he finally entered government in 2017 under Premier John Horgan, Eby was assigned significant roles, including Attorney General, overseeing ICBC, and the BC Lottery Corporation. These positions, particularly his work with ICBC, turned out to be far more politically charged than anticipated.
ICBC
As Attorney General, Eby discovered that ICBC, the province’s public auto insurer, was losing a staggering billion dollars annually. This financial crisis required swift and significant reforms. Drawing from his background—his father was a personal injury lawyer who had experienced the impact of similar insurance reforms in Ontario—Eby approached the challenge with a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications.
His reforms at ICBC led to the stabilization of the insurer, resulting in lower rates for drivers, frozen for three consecutive years, and the issuance of rebate checks. These changes were critical in addressing the financial situation at ICBC, demonstrating Eby’s ability to manage and resolve complex policy issues.
Housing & Infrastructure
Throughout his political career, Eby has consistently emphasized housing as a central focus. As Housing Minister, he confronted the escalating housing crisis driven by international investors and population growth. Eby described housing as a "hairy problem," one that requires a multifaceted approach involving zoning reforms, public land use, and direct government funding for affordable housing. His tenure has seen a shift from merely addressing investment-driven housing issues to tackling the broader challenges of rapid population growth and its impact on housing affordability.
Eby has also been vocal about the importance of building infrastructure to accommodate BC's growing population. He defended the province's capital expenditures, which have been criticized by credit rating agencies, emphasizing the need for new schools, hospitals, and transit systems to maintain the quality of life in the province.
Reconciliation
In terms of reconciliation, Eby has played a significant role in advancing Indigenous rights, particularly with the Haida Gwaii title agreement.
One of his notable achievements has been the recognition of Haida title without the need for prolonged litigation, marking a historic first in the province. Eby contrasts this negotiated agreement with traditional court-imposed settlements, which often lead to lengthy legal battles and uncertainty. His focus on working directly with Indigenous communities to acknowledge their rights and title reflects a broader commitment to fostering cooperation and mutual respect. This approach, seen in the Haida Gwaii agreement, is indicative of the reconciliation efforts that Eby’s administration is pursuing.
Beyond land title recognition, Eby’s government has been actively involved in advancing reconciliation through various initiatives. These include the development of a Métis justice strategy, alongside a First Nations justice strategy, recognizing the distinct cultural and legal contexts of different Indigenous groups. Eby also emphasizes economic reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous communities on infrastructure and development projects, ensuring they benefit from activities on their traditional lands. These efforts aim to address the socio-economic disparities affecting Indigenous peoples, with a vision of integrating Indigenous rights into the governance framework of British Columbia.
Healthcare
Under Eby’s leadership, the province has seen the opening of new medical schools and the creation of additional spaces for doctors and nurses, as well as the recognition of internationally trained healthcare professionals to help fill gaps in the system.
Eby has also supported significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction and expansion of hospitals across the province, aiming to ensure that British Columbians have access to high-quality care.
However, Eby’s handling of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the delay in rehiring unvaccinated healthcare workers after the public health emergency was declared over. Many argued that these workers should have been brought back sooner, especially given the strain on the healthcare system during the pandemic. Eby’s decision to wait until the emergency was lifted to reintegrate these workers was seen by some as overly cautious, contributing to the ongoing challenges faced by an already overburdened system.
Regrets & Lessons Learned
David Eby’s ability to admit when things aren't working and his willingness to change course have been defining characteristics of his leadership style. He argues that this approach helps build trust in government, as it shows a commitment to solving problems rather than sticking rigidly to ideology.
A key example of this is his decision to reverse course on the public consumption of drugs in British Columbia. Initially supportive of decriminalization, Eby faced strong criticism and mounting evidence that the policy was not achieving its intended outcomes, leading to significant public safety concerns. His decision to recriminalize public drug use reflects his responsiveness to these criticisms, though some argue that this reversal was politically motivated and that the problems were foreseeable from the outset.
His track record reflects a leader who is not afraid to tackle difficult issues head-on, even when the outcomes are uncertain. However, the decision to reverse the public consumption policy has sparked debate about whether it was a genuine response to public concern or a calculated move to address political pressures. This controversy highlights the complexities of Eby’s leadership, as he navigates the fine line between adaptability and political strategy.