David Eby

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific_prefix = The Honourable

| name = David Eby

| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=CAN|KC|MLABC|size=100%}}

| image = David Eby, BC NDP candidate for Vancouver-Point Grey (54002997713) (cropped).jpg

| caption = Eby in 2024

| order = 37th

| office = Premier of British Columbia

| term_start = November 18, 2022

| term_end =

| monarch = Charles III

| lieutenant_governor = Janet Austin
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia

| deputy = {{plainlist|

}}

| predecessor = John Horgan

| office1 = Leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party

| term_start1 = October 21, 2022

| term_end1 =

| predecessor1 = John Horgan

| successor1 =

| office2 = Attorney General of British Columbia

| term_start2 = July 18, 2017

| term_end2 = July 19, 2022

| premier2 = John Horgan

| predecessor2 = Andrew Wilkinson

| successor2 = Murray Rankin

| office3 = Minister Responsible for Housing of British Columbia

| term_start3 = November 26, 2020

| term_end3 = July 19, 2022

| premier3 = John Horgan

| predecessor3 = Selina Robinson (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing)

| successor3 = Murray Rankin

| assembly4 = British Columbia Legislative

| constituency_AM4 = Vancouver-Point Grey

| term_start4 = May 14, 2013

| term_end4 =

| predecessor4 = Christy Clark

| successor4 =

| birth_name = David Robert Patrick Eby

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|7|21}}

| birth_place = Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

| residence = Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

| alma_mater = {{ubl|University of Waterloo|Dalhousie University (LLB)}}

| party = New Democratic

| profession = Lawyer

| spouse = Cailey Lynch

| children = 3

}}

David Robert Patrick Eby {{post-nominals|country=CAN|KC|MLABC}} ({{IPAc-en|iː|b|i}}; born July 21, 1976){{Cite news |last=Schmunk |first=Rhianna |date=2022-11-17 |title=Tech writer, activist, premier: David Eby's ambitious road to B.C.'s top job |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/david-eby-bc-premier-designate-incoming-interview-1.6655249 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111053746/https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6655249 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |access-date=2023-01-11 |work=CBC News}}{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=https://twitter.com/Dave_Eby/status/756174229150720000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411002503/https://twitter.com/Dave_Eby/status/756174229150720000 |archive-date=2023-04-11 |access-date=2023-01-11}} is a Canadian politician and lawyer who has served as the 37th and current premier of British Columbia since November 18, 2022. Eby is a member of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (NDP) and has served as party leader since October 21, 2022. He has represented Vancouver-Point Grey in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia since 2013.

Eby began his legal career with a focus on civil rights and social justice issues, working at the Pivot Legal Society from 2005 to 2008. He then became the executive director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), serving from 2008 to 2012. During this period, Eby gained recognition for his advocacy on civil liberties and legal reforms, establishing himself as a prominent figure in British Columbia’s legal community. He was also an adjunct professor of law at the University of British Columbia from 2009 to 2013 and served as president of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network.

In 2013, Eby was elected to the provincial legislature, representing Vancouver-Point Grey, unseating Christy Clark, who was the incumbent premier at the time. His legislative career has been marked by his work on housing affordability, public safety, and legal reforms. In 2017, he was appointed attorney general in Premier John Horgan's cabinet, where he contributed to policies aimed at addressing housing affordability, money laundering, and electoral reform.

In 2022, Eby became leader of the NDP following the resignation of Premier Horgan, who stepped down due to health concerns. Eby was subsequently elected party leader by acclamation and was sworn in as premier on November 18, 2022. In the 2024 provincial election, he led the NDP as they held on to a narrow majority, securing 47 seats—the smallest possible majority in the legislature.

Early life and career

Eby was born in 1976 in Kitchener, Ontario. His father, Brian, was a personal injury lawyer and his mother, Laura, was a teacher, and later an elementary school principal. The eldest of four children, he has a sister, Meaghan, and two brothers named Matthew and Patrick.{{Cite web|title=Get to Know Attorney General David Eby|url=https://www.cbabc.org/BarTalk/Articles/2018/August/Features/Get-to-Know-Attorney-General-David-Eby|access-date=2021-11-18|website=www.cbabc.org|archive-date=2023-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405095752/https://www.cbabc.org/BarTalk/Articles/2018/August/Features/Get-to-Know-Attorney-General-David-Eby|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Littlemore |first=Richard |title=From rookie to NDP point man, David Eby takes centre court |url=https://www.bcbusiness.ca/David-Eby-takes-centre-court-in-the-fight-for-affordable-housing |access-date=2021-11-18 |website=BCBusiness |date=October 27, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118062519/https://www.bcbusiness.ca/David-Eby-takes-centre-court-in-the-fight-for-affordable-housing |url-status=live }} As a teenager, he took his brother to protest against the treatment of circus elephants.{{Cite news |last=Schmunk |first=Rhianna |date=2022-11-17 |title=Tech writer, activist, premier: David Eby's ambitious road to B.C.'s top job |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/david-eby-bc-premier-designate-incoming-interview-1.6655249 |access-date=2023-01-11 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111053746/https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6655249 |url-status=live }} He was president of the student council at St. Mary’s High School in his final year.

He studied English at the University of Waterloo and worked for a communications firm after graduation. In 2004, he graduated from the Schulich School of Law in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He articled for the Department of Justice Canada and was called to the bar in June 2005.{{cite news|date=March 3, 2010|title=Activist profile: The BC Civil Liberties Association's David Eby|newspaper=rabble.ca|url=http://rabble.ca/rabbletv/program-guide/2010/03/features/activist-profile-bc-civil-unions-david-eby|access-date=November 10, 2012|archive-date=November 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110195833/http://rabble.ca/rabbletv/program-guide/2010/03/features/activist-profile-bc-civil-unions-david-eby|url-status=live}}

He worked at Pivot Legal Society from 2005 to 2008{{Cite web |url=http://www.pivotlegal.org/past_staff |title=Past Staff – Pivot Legal Society |access-date=2013-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414050422/http://www.pivotlegal.org/past_staff |archive-date=2013-04-14 |url-status=dead }} in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside before becoming the executive director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) from 2008 until 2012.{{cite news|title=David Eby stepping down from BCCLA, moving on to politics?|url=http://globalnews.ca/news/270139/david-eby-stepping-down-from-bccla-moving-on-to-politics/|access-date=September 3, 2015|publisher=Global BC|date=July 25, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092426/http://globalnews.ca/news/270139/david-eby-stepping-down-from-bccla-moving-on-to-politics/|url-status=live}} He is the author of The Arrest Handbook: A Guide to Your Rights, published by the BCCLA.

He was an adjunct professor of law at the University of British Columbia (UBC) from 2009 to 2013,{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} and also served as president of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and as a research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.{{cite web|title=David Eby|url=http://bccla.org/news-media/media-kit/staff-bios/|work=Staff Biols|publisher=BC Civil Liberties Association|access-date=November 10, 2012|archive-date=February 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221183639/http://bccla.org/news-media/media-kit/staff-bios/|url-status=live}}

Early political career (2008–2017)

In 2008, Eby sought a Vancouver city council nomination from Vision Vancouver, but was unsuccessful.{{Cite web |date=2008-09-21 |title=Vision Vancouver blocks nomination of David Eby |url=https://lefteyeonvancouver.wordpress.com/2008/09/21/vision-vancouver-blocks-nomination-of-david-eby/ |access-date=2021-11-18 |website=Left eye on Vancouver: A critical look at municipal politics |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118064951/https://lefteyeonvancouver.wordpress.com/2008/09/21/vision-vancouver-blocks-nomination-of-david-eby/ |url-status=live }}

In 2011, Eby stood as the NDP candidate in the by-election for Vancouver-Point Grey. The riding had been vacated by former premier Gordon Campbell and was being contested by newly sworn-in premier Christy Clark, of the BC Liberal Party, who did not hold a seat in the legislature. Eby placed a close second, only 595 votes behind Clark.{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Ian |date=May 12, 2011 |title=B.C. Premier Clark narrowly avoids political disaster with by-election win |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-premier-clark-narrowly-avoids-political-disaster-with-by-election-win/article579613/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516130223/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-premier-clark-narrowly-avoids-political-disaster-with-by-election-win/article579613/ |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |df=mdy-all}} Two years later, ahead of the 2013 general election, he again sought the NDP nomination in Vancouver-Point Grey for a rematch against Clark.{{cite news|last=Bailey|first=Ian|title=Clark's by-election challenger gets B.C. NDP nomination for 2013|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/christy-clarks-by-election-challenger-david-eby-gets-bc-ndp-nomination-for-2013/article5161613/|access-date=November 10, 2012|newspaper=Globe and Mail|date=November 9, 2012|archive-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127032444/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/christy-clarks-by-election-challenger-david-eby-gets-bc-ndp-nomination-for-2013/article5161613/|url-status=live}} On election day, Eby defeated Clark in a rare instance of a premier being unseated despite their party winning re-election.{{Cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Jeff |last2=McKnight |first2=Zoe |date=2013-05-13 |title=David Eby snatches Vancouver-Point Grey riding from Premier Christy Clark |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/bc%20election/david-eby-snatches-vancouver-point-grey-riding-from-premier-christy-clark |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=Vancouver Sun |language=en-CA}}[http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/687397/premier-christy-clark-officially-loses-seat-to-ndps-david-eby/ "Premier Christy Clark officially loses seat to NDP’s David Eby"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619161050/http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/687397/premier-christy-clark-officially-loses-seat-to-ndps-david-eby/ |date=2013-06-19 }}, Metro Vancouver, May 28, 2013

After his election as MLA, Eby was named to the NDP shadow cabinet as critic for advanced education.{{cite web |author=Amy Judd |date=June 14, 2013 |title=BC NDP announces shadow cabinet |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/643400/bc-ndp-announces-shadow-cabinet/ |publisher=Global News |access-date=October 24, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426203917/https://globalnews.ca/news/643400/bc-ndp-announces-shadow-cabinet/ |url-status=live }} Eby strongly considered standing in the 2014 British Columbia New Democratic Party leadership election, but declined after learning his then-fiancée was pregnant.{{Cite web |last=Shaw |first=Rob |date=2014-02-13 |title=David Eby abandons B.C. NDP leadership bid after finding out he'll be a father |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/metro/david-eby-abandons-bc-ndp-leadership-bid-after-finding-out-hell-be-a-father |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=Vancouver Sun |language=en-CA}} He then served as campaign co-chair of John Horgan's successful leadership bid.{{Cite web|last=Mckenzie|first=Kevin Hinton & Ryan|title=BCBusiness|url=https://www.bcbusiness.ca/David-Eby-takes-centre-court-in-the-fight-for-affordable-housing|access-date=2021-11-18|website=BCBusiness|date=October 27, 2016 |language=en|archive-date=2021-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118062519/https://www.bcbusiness.ca/David-Eby-takes-centre-court-in-the-fight-for-affordable-housing|url-status=live}} Later that year, Eby was named the critic for tourism, housing, gaming and liquor policy.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Charlie |date=2014-07-23 |title=NDP Leader John Horgan gives David Eby a boost in shadow cabinet |url=https://www.straight.com/news/693386/ndp-leader-john-horgan-gives-david-eby-boost-shadow-cabinet |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=The Georgia Straight |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024180116/https://www.straight.com/news/693386/ndp-leader-john-horgan-gives-david-eby-boost-shadow-cabinet |url-status=live }} As housing critic, he called for an inquiry into Vancouver's real estate market over a practice called "shadow flipping", suggesting it was being done as part of tax avoidance and money laundering.{{Cite news |date=2016-02-08 |title=MLA David Eby demands inquiry into shadow flipping of Vancouver homes |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/mla-david-eby-demands-inquiry-into-shadow-flipping-of-vancouver-homes-1.3438737 |access-date=2022-11-03 |archive-date=2022-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103183708/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/mla-david-eby-demands-inquiry-into-shadow-flipping-of-vancouver-homes-1.3438737 |url-status=live }} He also uncovered several instances of high-value property being purchased by buyers listed as students and homemakers, and called for an investigation into whether banks were enabling speculation by not verifying income.{{Cite web |title=Student who flipped Point Grey property for $1.16 million profit prompts new call for stricter oversight for real estate |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/student-flipped-point-grey-property-for-1-16-million-profit-research-for-ndp-critic-david-eby-shows |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108093414/http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/student-flipped-point-grey-property-for-1-16-million-profit-research-for-ndp-critic-david-eby-shows |archive-date=2020-11-08 |access-date=2020-09-10 |website=Vancouver Sun |language=en-CA}}

In 2016, former NDP premier Glen Clark described Eby as "the future of the NDP".

Attorney General of British Columbia (2017–2022)

Following the 2017 British Columbia election, which saw the NDP form government with the support of the Green Party, Eby was appointed to the cabinet of John Horgan as attorney general.{{cite news |last=McElroy |first=Justin |date=June 29, 2017 |title=B.C.'s new NDP government sworn into office |work=CBC News |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-s-new-ndp-government-sworn-into-office-1.4211129 |url-status=live |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009081828/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-s-new-ndp-government-sworn-into-office-1.4211129 |archive-date=October 9, 2017}} He additionally became minister responsible for liquor, gaming and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).{{Cite web |title=B.C. NDP Cabinet 2017: Metro Vancouver MLAs handed key cabinet roles |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/b-c-ndp-cabinet-2017-john-horgan-will-be-sworn-in-as-36th-premier |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=vancouversun |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205133432/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/b-c-ndp-cabinet-2017-john-horgan-will-be-sworn-in-as-36th-premier |url-status=live }}

During Eby's tenure, British Columbia passed anti-SLAPP legislation. BC briefly had similar legislation in 2001, enacted by the then-incumbent NDP government that year before being repealed by the subsequent Liberal government. The new law was stronger than the previous version, removing the requirement to prove the person suing had bad intentions and needing only to show that being sued negatively impacted their ability to express an opinions a matter of public interest. Josh Paterson, the executive director of the BC Civil Liberties Association, said the law should be "the model that other provinces should seek to copy."{{cite news |date=2018-05-15 |title=B.C. introduces anti-SLAPP legislation to protect public interest debates |work=CBC News |agency=The Canadian Press |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-slapp-legislation-bill-1.4664087 |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115191921/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-slapp-legislation-bill-1.4664087 |url-status=live }}

In 2018, Maclean's described Eby's workload as "handl[ing] every live grenade in BC politics."{{Cite news |last=Tanner |first=Adrienne |date=2018-06-05 |title=David Eby handles every live grenade in B.C. politics. Is he a premier-in-waiting? |work=Maclean's |url=https://www.macleans.ca/politics/vancouver-real-estate-trans-mountain-and-electoral-reform-why-david-eby-gets-every-hot-potato-in-b-c-politics/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190407/https://www.macleans.ca/politics/vancouver-real-estate-trans-mountain-and-electoral-reform-why-david-eby-gets-every-hot-potato-in-b-c-politics/ |url-status=live }}

On July 19, 2022, Eby stepped down from cabinet in order to stand in the 2022 British Columbia New Democratic Party leadership election.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-19 |title=B.C.'s Attorney General David Eby puts hat in ring to replace John Horgan as NDP leader – Victoria News |url=https://www.vicnews.com/news/b-c-attorney-general-david-eby-expected-to-announce-ndp-leadership-bid/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=www.vicnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727171227/https://www.vicnews.com/news/b-c-attorney-general-david-eby-expected-to-announce-ndp-leadership-bid/ |url-status=live }}

= ICBC reform =

On July 24, 2017, Eby released a report by accounting firm Ernst & Young that concluded that ICBC was in a poor financial situation. The report found the problem to lie in "the rising number and size of claims, larger cash settlements for minor injuries, and more claims costs going towards legal representation than to claimants", and that without significant reform, premiums for drivers would have to rise by almost 30% in two years to avoid significant losses.{{Cite web |last1=Duran |first1=Estefania |last2=Azpiri |first2=Jon |date=2017-07-24 |title=ICBC considering raising car insurance premiums by 30 per cent |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/3620885/icbc-considering-raising-car-insurance-premiums-by-30-per-cent/ |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=Global News |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190409/https://globalnews.ca/news/3620885/icbc-considering-raising-car-insurance-premiums-by-30-per-cent/ |url-status=live }} Over the next few months, Eby enacted measures to help tackle the issue, including a 6.4% rate increase, red light cameras at high-collision intersections, and a pilot program to eliminate distracted driving.{{Cite web |last=Larsen |first=Karin |date=2017-11-01 |title=ICBC rate hike hits B.C. drivers starting today |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/icbc-rate-hike-hits-b-c-drivers-starting-today-1.4382037 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=CBC News |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190412/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/icbc-rate-hike-hits-b-c-drivers-starting-today-1.4382037 |url-status=live }}

In January 2018, ICBC projected a net loss of $1.3 billion by the end of the current fiscal year.{{Cite news |date=2018-01-28 |title=ICBC posts $935M in net losses in first 9 months of fiscal year |work=CBC News |agency=The Canadian Press |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/icbc-posts-935m-in-net-losses-in-first-9-months-of-fiscal-year-1.4507947 |access-date=2022-11-10 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190417/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/icbc-posts-935m-in-net-losses-in-first-9-months-of-fiscal-year-1.4507947 |url-status=live }} The following day, Eby described ICBC as a "financial dumpster fire" due to the "reckless decisions" and negligence of the previous Liberal government. Eby promised "major reforms to make ICBC financially viable again" would be announced shortly, but ruled out a switch to a no-fault insurance system.{{Cite news |last1=Proctor |first1=Jason |last2=Larsen |first2=Karin |date=2018-01-29 |title=ICBC a 'financial dumpster fire,' says B.C. attorney general |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/icbc-a-financial-dumpster-fire-says-b-c-attorney-general-1.4508849 |access-date=2022-11-10 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190407/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/icbc-a-financial-dumpster-fire-says-b-c-attorney-general-1.4508849 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kane |first=Laura |date=2018-01-29 |title=ICBC in 'financial dumpster fire,' major reforms needed: attorney general |url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/icbc-in-financial-dumpster-fire-major-reforms-needed-attorney-general-1.3780046 |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=CTV News |language=en |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190405/https://bc.ctvnews.ca/icbc-in-financial-dumpster-fire-major-reforms-needed-attorney-general-1.3780046 |url-status=live }}

In February 2018, the government announced several major changes to accident coverage. Payments for soft-injury claims were capped, medical benefits and wage loss payments were doubled, common treatments became pre-approved, and payouts changed from a lump-sum to a "care-based model" to cover costs on an as-needed basis. ICBC also changed its dispute resolution mechanism to a new civil resolution system to reduce legal costs. The changes were estimated to save $1 billion a year, though Eby did not rule out a future rate increase.{{Cite web |last=Shaw |first=Rob |date=2018-02-07 |title=Five things to know about ICBC reforms |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/politics/five-things-to-know-about-icbc-reforms |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Vancouver Sun |language=en-CA |archive-date=2020-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013105/https://vancouversun.com/news/politics/five-things-to-know-about-icbc-reforms |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Zussman |first=Richard |date=2018-04-23 |title=Province pledges ICBC changes will get insurer 'back in the black' |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4162603/province-pledges-icbc-changes-will-get-insurer-back-in-the-black/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Global News |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190410/https://globalnews.ca/news/4162603/province-pledges-icbc-changes-will-get-insurer-back-in-the-black/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2018, a new method of calculating insurance premiums came into effect that was more heavily weighted towards driving experience and crash history, and overall determined more by driver than vehicle.{{Cite news |last=Hennig |first=Claire |date=2019-08-31 |title='Cars don't cause crashes, drivers do': New ICBC premium rates take effect |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/new-icbc-premium-rates-take-effect-1.5266566 |access-date=2022-11-10 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190416/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/new-icbc-premium-rates-take-effect-1.5266566 |url-status=live }} The change was expected to be revenue neutral, with two-thirds of drivers seeing their rates reduced but the remaining third of riskier drivers paying substantially more.{{Cite web |last=Zussman |first=Richard |date=2018-08-09 |title=Majority of drivers will pay less under new ICBC rates, but high risk drivers will pay substantially more |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4379233/new-icbc-rates-who-will-pay-more/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Global News |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190412/https://globalnews.ca/news/4379233/new-icbc-rates-who-will-pay-more/ |url-status=live }}

In February 2019, ICBC reported a net loss of $860 million in the first nine months of the fiscal year. The corporation blamed the loss on the escalating cost of insurance claims, and Eby said that reports from expert witnesses – some files including as much as six medical experts – were driving the costs.{{Cite news |date=2019-02-07 |title=ICBC lost 'unsustainable and unacceptable' $860M in just 9 months |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/icbc-lost-unsustainable-and-unacceptable-860m-in-just-9-months-1.5010615 |access-date=2022-10-12 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190414/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/icbc-lost-unsustainable-and-unacceptable-860m-in-just-9-months-1.5010615 |url-status=live }} Later in February, Eby announced a cap on expert witnesses, to a maximum of three.{{Cite news |date=2019-02-11 |title=David Eby announces cap on expert witnesses to address losses at ICBC |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/david-eby-icbc-losses-1.5014286 |access-date=2022-11-12 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190411/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/david-eby-icbc-losses-1.5014286 |url-status=live }} On October 24, 2019, the Supreme Court of British Columbia struck down the cap, finding it "infringe[d] on the court's core jurisdiction to control its process".{{Cite news |last=Ballard |first=Joel |date=2019-10-24 |title=B.C. Supreme Court finds Eby's ICBC rule change 'unconstitutional' |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-supreme-court-finds-eby-s-icbc-rule-change-unconstitutional-1.5334541 |access-date=2022-11-12 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190420/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-supreme-court-finds-eby-s-icbc-rule-change-unconstitutional-1.5334541 |url-status=live }} The province did not appeal and instead pursued new legislation to limit the number of expert reports while allowing for judicial discretion on whether additional experts are needed.{{Cite news |date=2019-11-20 |title=B.C. will not appeal court ruling that shot down expert limits in ICBC cases |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-will-not-appeal-court-ruling-that-shot-down-expert-limits-in-icbc-cases-1.5367221 |access-date=2022-11-12 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190414/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-will-not-appeal-court-ruling-that-shot-down-expert-limits-in-icbc-cases-1.5367221 |url-status=live }}

In February 2020, Eby announced that ICBC would be moving to a no-fault system. The change limited the types of collision where an ICBC customer can go to court for damage, with disputes instead being handled through the Civil Resolution Tribunal. The change to a no-fault system was justified as dramatically reducing the legal costs of ICBC, quickening payment of benefits, and lowering premiums. The announcement was criticized by the Trial Lawyers Association of BC.{{Cite web |last=Zussman |first=Richard |date=2020-02-06 |title=B.C. government axing lawyer, legal costs to create no-fault style insurance at ICBC |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6516071/icbc-changes/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Global News |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190409/https://globalnews.ca/news/6516071/icbc-changes/ |url-status=live }} The introduction of no-fault insurance came despite Eby having previously ruled it out; Eby justified his change of mind by saying he previously "had too much confidence that the legal system could change more quickly than it actually can." After having been told by ICBC officials that a cap on injury costs would save $1 billion annually but still wasn't enough to prevent a 36% rate increase over the next five years, Eby was convinced the existing set-up was unsustainable. Premier Horgan had given his approval in December 2019.{{Cite web |last=Shaw |first=Rob |date=2020-02-06 |title=From no-fault hater to no-fault lover: The inside story on David Eby's decision to revamp ICBC |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/politics/from-no-fault-hater-to-no-fault-lover-the-inside-story-on-david-ebys-decision-to-revamp-icbc |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=vancouversun |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128233120/https://vancouversun.com/news/politics/from-no-fault-hater-to-no-fault-lover-the-inside-story-on-david-ebys-decision-to-revamp-icbc |url-status=live }}

The government's 2020 budget projected an $86 million surplus for ICBC in the 2020/21 fiscal year, growing to $191 million by 2022/2023. It was the first posted surplus for the corporation since 2015/16.{{Cite web |last=Little |first=Simon |date=2020-02-18 |title=2020 budget projects ICBC finally out of deficit |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6565600/icbc-2020-budget-surplus/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Global News |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190406/https://globalnews.ca/news/6565600/icbc-2020-budget-surplus/ |url-status=live }} In March 2020, Eby announced plans to introduce legislation to ensure ICBC's profits would remain in the corporation, used to reduce premiums or increase benefits, and prevent governments using it to cover other expenses – a practice Eby had previously criticized the Liberal government for, and that he said had contributed to ICBC's poor financial state.{{Cite news |last=Fletcher |first=Tanya |date=2020-03-02 |title=Province says new law will benefit drivers' rates by keeping government hands off ICBC profits |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/province-prepares-legislation-to-ban-government-from-dipping-into-icbc-profits-1.5482579 |access-date=2022-11-13 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115191919/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/province-prepares-legislation-to-ban-government-from-dipping-into-icbc-profits-1.5482579 |url-status=live }}

Later in March 2020, the government announced that the maximum payout for serious disabling injuries would rise from $300,000 to $7.5 million. The move was to be financed by further moving disputes from court to the civil resolution tribunal, expected to save $1.5 billion in legal fees.{{Cite news |last=Fletcher |first=Tom |date=2020-03-04 |title=B.C. moves ahead on removing lawyers from ICBC cases |work=Saanich News |publisher=Black Press |url=https://www.saanichnews.com/business/b-c-moves-ahead-on-removing-lawyers-from-icbc-cases/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190410/https://www.saanichnews.com/business/b-c-moves-ahead-on-removing-lawyers-from-icbc-cases/ |url-status=live }} The legislation was challenged by the Trial Lawyers Association of BC, and on March 3, 2021, the BC Supreme Court struck down the rules. It found that the government's decision to move the determination of accident claims out of the court system to its own tribunals was unconstitutional, and rejected the government's argument that injury cases were clogging the court system.{{Cite news |last=Fletcher |first=Tom |date=2021-03-03 |title=Judge rejects taking lawyers out of minor ICBC injury cases |work=Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News |publisher=Black Press |url=https://www.mapleridgenews.com/business/judge-rejects-taking-lawyers-out-of-minor-icbc-injury-cases/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190416/https://www.mapleridgenews.com/business/judge-rejects-taking-lawyers-out-of-minor-icbc-injury-cases/ |url-status=live }} The government appealed the decision, and on May 17, 2022, the BC Court of Appeal reversed the lower court's decision and sided with the government.{{Cite news |last=Mulgrew |first=Ian |date=2022-05-17 |title=Appeal court says it was OK for B.C. to punt many lawsuits against ICBC to tribunal |work=Vancouver Sun |url=https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/ian-mulgrew-appeal-court-ok-for-bc-to-punt-many-lawsuits-against-icbc-to-tribunal |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518012718/https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/ian-mulgrew-appeal-court-ok-for-bc-to-punt-many-lawsuits-against-icbc-to-tribunal |url-status=live }}

= Investigation into money laundering =

Upon being appointed minister, Eby was surprised to discover that the scale of money laundering in the province was much larger than he had believed. He found it "incomprehensible that the previous government had not done more to reduce the risk of money laundering and criminal activity in BC gambling facilities".{{Cite news |last=Sherlock |first=Tracy |date=2018-01-23 |title='We had no idea it was this big': B.C. attorney general on money laundering notes |work=Canada's National Observer |url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2018/01/23/analysis/we-had-no-idea-it-was-big-bc-attorney-general-money-laundering-notes |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190414/https://www.nationalobserver.com/2018/01/23/analysis/we-had-no-idea-it-was-big-bc-attorney-general-money-laundering-notes |url-status=live }} On September 28, 2017, the government officially launched an investigation into the breadth of money laundering being done in the province's casinos. Eby hired Peter German, a former deputy commissioner of the RCMP and Correctional Service Canada and the author of Canada's leading anti-money-laundering law textbook, to lead the investigation.{{Cite news |last=Richard |first=Zussman |date=2017-09-28 |title=B.C. government officially launches casino money laundering investigation |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-government-officially-launches-casino-money-laundering-investigation-1.4311820 |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190410/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-government-officially-launches-casino-money-laundering-investigation-1.4311820 |url-status=live }} German's 2018 report found that over $100{{Nbsp}}million of dirty money had been cleaned in BC due to "a collective system failure".{{Cite news |last=Schmunk |first=Rhianna |date=2018-06-27 |title=B.C. casinos 'unwittingly served as laundromats' for proceeds of crime: report |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-money-laundering-report-1.4723958 |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190409/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-money-laundering-report-1.4723958 |url-status=live }}

On May 8, 2019, a report by an expert panel on dirty money found that $7.4{{Nbsp}}billion was laundered in BC in the previous year, with $5.3{{Nbsp}}billion going through real estate transactions.{{Cite news |last=Lindsay |first=Bethany |date=2019-05-08 |title=Money laundering funded $5.3B in B.C. real estate purchases in 2018, report reveals |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/laundered-money-bc-real-estate-1.5128769 |access-date=2022-10-15 |archive-date=2022-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015035931/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/laundered-money-bc-real-estate-1.5128769 |url-status=live }} A week later, on May 15, the government announced a public inquiry into money laundering, to be headed by BC Supreme Court justice Austin Cullen. The inquiry would look into real estate, gaming, financial institutions and the corporate and professional sectors.{{Cite news |last=Nair |first=Roshini |date=2019-05-15 |title='Done with asking nicely': B.C. announces public inquiry into money laundering |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/money-laundering-public-inquiry-decision-1.5136952 |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190406/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/money-laundering-public-inquiry-decision-1.5136952 |url-status=live }} On June 14, 2022, Cullen's final report was released. It concluded that the federal anti-money laundering regime was not effective, and that the province needed to develop its own system and tools in order to combat the problem. Cullen said that while it is impossible to come up with an exact figure, he estimated that the amount of money laundered in the province was in the billions. He also found no evidence of corruption among previous gaming ministers, and that they had tried to address the issue but admitted that they could have done more.{{Cite news |last=Proctor |first=Jason |date=2022-06-14 |title=B.C. needs new, dedicated unit to successfully solve 'staggering' money laundering problem: report |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-money-laundering-inquiry-report-release-1.6488866 |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190418/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-money-laundering-inquiry-report-release-1.6488866 |url-status=live }}

= Electoral reform =

As part of the deal with the Greens, the NDP government committed to holding a referendum on electoral reform.{{cite web |last=Hipolito |first=Chad |date=May 31, 2018 |title=The road ahead for B.C. politics |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/whats-ahead-for-bc-politics-after-the-ndp-green-partyagreement/article35160029/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813154305/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/whats-ahead-for-bc-politics-after-the-ndp-green-partyagreement/article35160029/ |archive-date=13 August 2017 |access-date=5 June 2018 |work=The Globe and Mail}} On October 4, 2017, Eby announced that the referendum would be conducted by mail ballot in by the end of November 2018 and would require a simple province-wide majority to be approved.{{Cite news |date=2017-10-04 |title=NDP announces B.C. referendum on proportional representation |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-referendum-proportional-representation-referendum-1.4329417 |access-date=2022-11-03 |archive-date=2022-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030154749/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-referendum-proportional-representation-referendum-1.4329417 |url-status=live }} Between November 2017 and February 2018, Eby conducted public consultation on what questions should be on the ballot.{{cite web |last=Meissner |first=Dirk |date=2017-11-23 |title=B.C. New Democrats invite public electoral reform vote; Liberals cry foul |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/politics/b-c-new-democrats-invite-public-electoral-reform-vote-liberals-cry-foul |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142419/http://vancouversun.com/news/politics/b-c-new-democrats-invite-public-electoral-reform-vote-liberals-cry-foul |archive-date=2018-06-12 |access-date=2022-11-03 |work=Vancouver Sun}} On May 30, Eby announced that the ballot would be two questions: the first asking whether to change to from the current first-past-the-post (FPTP) system to a proportional representation (PR) system, and the second asking voters to pick between three different models: dual-member proportional, mixed-member proportional and rural-urban proportional.{{Cite news |last=McElroy |first=Justin |date=2018-05-30 |title=B.C. to choose between 4 systems for electoral reform referendum |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/electoral-reform-referendum-question-eby-1.4683919 |access-date=2022-11-03 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190426/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/electoral-reform-referendum-question-eby-1.4683919 |url-status=live }} On December 20, 2018, Elections BC announced that 61.3 percent of ballots voted to keep FPTP.{{cite web |date=2018-12-20 |title=B.C. votes to keep first-past-the-post electoral system |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/electoral-reform-referendum-results-1.4954538 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221021411/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/electoral-reform-referendum-results-1.4954538 |archive-date=2018-12-21 |access-date=2018-12-20 |work=CBC News |quote="Elections BC announced the results Thursday, saying 61.3 per cent of ballots had been cast in favour of the status quo, while proportional representation got 38.7 per cent."}}

In a post-referendum interview, Eby explained that the two-question ballot was the result of the public consultations, and reflected a lack of consensus on an alternative system. He admitted surprise at how decisive the result was, but did not think any form of PR would have won in a single-ballot referendum, and concluded, "It does not seem to me British Columbians were in favour of changing the system. They seem happy with the system we have."{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Vaughn |date=2018-01-19 |title=Eby has no regrets over the handling or rejection of electoral reform |url=https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/vaughn-palmer-eby-has-no-regrets-over-the-handling-or-rejection-of-electoral-reform |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Vancouver Sun |language=en-CA |archive-date=2021-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422161520/https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/vaughn-palmer-eby-has-no-regrets-over-the-handling-or-rejection-of-electoral-reform |url-status=live }}

= Housing =

After the 2020 election, Eby was given the additional role of minister responsible for housing.{{Cite news |last=Lindsay |first=Bethany |date=2017-11-26 |title=New faces join B.C.'s new cabinet, while stalwarts stay on in key roles |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-cabinet-announcement-1.5816947 |access-date=2022-10-24 |archive-date=2021-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130034208/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-cabinet-announcement-1.5816947 |url-status=live }}

In an interview with the Times Colonist in February 2021, Eby outlined his goal to move everyone living in Victoria's parks into shelter by the end of March, and everyone living in Vancouver's Strathcona Park into shelter by the end of April. While this would require "an array of responses" that included temporary pod-like housing, Eby clarified that permanent housing was the end goal.{{Cite news |last=Howell |first=Mike |date=2021-02-07 |title=B.C. housing minister David Eby on his plans to tackle homelessness |work=Times Colonist |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/bc-housing-minister-david-eby-on-his-plans-to-tackle-homelessness-4687321 |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190405/https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/bc-housing-minister-david-eby-on-his-plans-to-tackle-homelessness-4687321 |url-status=live }} The government later signed deals with the cities of Victoria{{Cite news |date=2021-03-22 |title=B.C. signs deal with City of Victoria to end homeless camps, bring people inside |work=Global News |agency=The Canadian Press |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7712238/victoria-bc-homeless-camps-agreement/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190405/https://globalnews.ca/news/7712238/victoria-bc-homeless-camps-agreement/ |url-status=live }} and Vancouver{{Cite news |date=2021-04-06 |title=Deal reached in Vancouver to help the homeless; and work to close park encampment |work=Red Deer Advocate |agency=The Canadian Press |url=https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/deal-reached-in-vancouver-to-help-the-homeless-and-work-to-close-park-encampment/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190408/https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/deal-reached-in-vancouver-to-help-the-homeless-and-work-to-close-park-encampment/ |url-status=live }} to this effect.

As minister, Eby vigorously pushed for more homeless shelters, lobbying municipal governments and politicians to approve zoning plans and permit extensions ahead of their votes. Eby's actions drew criticism from some municipal politicians, such as the mayors of Cranbrook and Penticton, but he defended his approach: "I would be incredibly negligent in not [speaking] to municipal leaders that are voting on vitally important projects to prevent entrenched encampments in their communities."{{Cite news |last=Elroy |first=Justin |date=2021-03-03 |title=B.C. housing minister says he won't stop lobbying city councils over decisions on homeless shelters |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/david-eby-penticton-vote-dispute-1.5934431 |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115191916/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/david-eby-penticton-vote-dispute-1.5934431 |url-status=live }}

Eby faced notable conflict with the City of Penticton. On March 2, 2021, Penticton city council voted unanimously to deny a temporary-use permit to BC Housing that the agency needed to continue to run an emergency winter homeless shelter past March 31. Eby called the news "profoundly troubling", and noted that the council had assured him that they would grant the permit. Eby further said it was important to keep the shelter open until the agency built an additional supportive housing unit.{{cite news |last=Strachan |first=Brady |date=2021-03-02 |title=Penticton won't allow emergency winter homeless shelter to remain open after March 31 |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/penticon-city-council-homeless-supportive-housing-winter-shelter-1.5934192 |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190404/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/penticon-city-council-homeless-supportive-housing-winter-shelter-1.5934192 |url-status=live }} Two weeks later, on March 18, Eby announced that the government would be using its power of paramountcy to overrule the council.{{Cite news |last=Szeto |first=Winston |date=2021-03-18 |title=Penticton shelter will remain open despite city's objection, says B.C. Housing Minister David Eby |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/penticton-winter-shelter-open-paramountcy-province-1.5955618 |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190422/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/penticton-winter-shelter-open-paramountcy-province-1.5955618 |url-status=live }} That July, Penticton officially filed with the BC Supreme Court to challenge the provincial government's use of paramountcy powers.{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Brennan |date=2021-07-07 |title=Update: Minister Eby 'disappointed' over Penticton council's decision to go to court over homeless shelter |work=Penticton Western News |publisher=Black Press |url=https://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/news/penticton-officially-takes-b-c-to-court-over-contentious-homeless-shelter/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190413/https://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/news/penticton-officially-takes-b-c-to-court-over-contentious-homeless-shelter/ |url-status=live }}

In 2021, the BC government hired accounting firm Ernst & Young to conduct an independent probe of the BC Housing agency; their report, completed in May 2022, found the agency had inadequate oversight, and that unclear roles and responsibilities potentially impacted its ability to manage risks.{{Cite news |last=Ball |first=David P. |date=2022-07-10 |title=Province fires board of B.C. Housing following critical report |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/province-fires-bc-housing-board-1.6516090 |access-date=2022-12-02 |archive-date=2022-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202232102/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/province-fires-bc-housing-board-1.6516090 |url-status=live }} Following the public release of the report, Eby dismissed the agency's board of commissioners. In July, he ordered a forensic audit of BC Housing.{{Cite news |last=Ballard |first=Joel |date=2022-11-25 |title=B.C. Housing has been undergoing a forensic audit for months, premier says |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-housing-being-audited-1.6664993 |access-date=2022-12-02 |archive-date=2022-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202232104/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-housing-being-audited-1.6664993 |url-status=live }}

Premier of British Columbia (since 2022)

=NDP leadership campaign=

{{main|2022 British Columbia New Democratic Party leadership election}}

In his 2022 leadership campaign, Eby advocated multiple solutions to the province's housing crisis. To combat flipping, Eby proposed a tax on the sale of residences that are sold within two years of being purchased.{{cite web | title=David Eby's affordable housing plan proposes flipping tax, legalization of secondary suites – CBC News | website=CBC | date=September 30, 2022 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/eby-housing-plan-1.6600903 | access-date=October 5, 2022 | archive-date=October 5, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005012419/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/eby-housing-plan-1.6600903 | url-status=live }}

Eby was endorsed by 48 of his caucus colleagues.{{Cite web |last=Zussman |first=Richard |date=2022-08-22 |title=Former federal candidate Anjali Appadurai challenges David Eby for BC NDP leadership |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9050574/former-federal-ndp-candidate-anjali-appadurai-challenging-david-eby/ |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=Global News |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810184525/https://globalnews.ca/news/9050574/former-federal-ndp-candidate-anjali-appadurai-challenging-david-eby/ |url-status=live }} On October 20, 2022, Eby won the leadership race by default after the disqualification of Anjali Appadurai, his only challenger.{{cite news |last1=Zussman |first1=Richard |title=David Eby to be next B.C. premier as NDP disqualifies Anjali Appadurai from leadership race {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9212616/david-eby-set-to-be-next-premier-of-british-columbia/ |access-date=20 October 2022 |work=Global News |date=20 October 2022 |archive-date=20 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020050133/https://globalnews.ca/news/9212616/david-eby-set-to-be-next-premier-of-british-columbia/ |url-status=live }} One source from within the party alleged the disqualification was "a pattern that reflected what...is the party’s “pervasive culture of cheating” to boost preferred candidates.{{Cite web |title=How the NDP establishment stole the B.C. leadership race |date=October 25, 2022 |url=https://breachmedia.ca/how-the-ndp-establishment-stole-the-b-c-leadership-race/}} He was declared the leader of the BC New Democratic Party and premier-designate of British Columbia on October 21, 2022.{{cite web |title=David Eby declared B.C.'s NDP leader {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9216237/david-eby-bc-ndp-leader/ |website=The Canadian Press |publisher=Global News |access-date=21 October 2022 |archive-date=21 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021162242/https://globalnews.ca/news/9216237/david-eby-bc-ndp-leader/ |url-status=live }}

= Tenure =

Eby was sworn in on November 18, 2022, in a ceremony led by the Musqueam First Nation.

He outlined housing, public safety and health care as his priorities. Immediately after being sworn in, Eby announced two tax credits{{snd}}a one-time credit for electricity bills and a new BC Affordability Credit for low-to-medium income families{{snd}}to help deal with affordability concerns.{{cite news |last=Katie |first=DeRosa |date=2022-11-18 |title='Historic and heartwarming': B.C.'s 37th Premier David Eby sworn in on Musqueam lands |work=The Province |url=https://theprovince.com/news/local-news/david-eby-to-be-sworn-in-this-morning-as-b-c-s-37th-premier |access-date=2022-11-18}} Eby also announced in December 2022 that he would direct ICBC to freeze basic auto insurance rates for two years.{{Cite web |title=B.C. Premier David Eby announces plan to freeze ICBC rates for two years |url=https://biv.com/article/2022/12/bc-premier-david-eby-announces-plan-freeze-icbc-rates-two-years |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Business in Vancouver |language=en}}

In March 2023, an attempt to recall Eby as MLA over the termination of unvaccinated health care workers failed, with the recall petition falling short of the required number of signatures for a recall election.{{Cite web |title=Petition seeking to recall 'dictator' B.C. Premier David Eby fails {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9568147/david-eby-recall-petition-fails/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}

== Cost of living ==

Two years away from a statutory election, Eby inherited a government facing critical issues including housing affordability, inflation, health care concerns, public safety, and natural resource debates. His government's first budget included $6.4 billion over three years for health care, a $400 income-tested tax credit for renters, and increased income assistance, disability assistance, and family benefit payments.{{Cite web |title=B.C. budget forecasts years of deficits, but spends big on health, housing, families {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9516170/b-c-finance-minister-to-table-her-first-budget/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}

Upon the swearing-in of his cabinet, Eby established a standalone housing ministry, appointing Ravi Kahlon as housing minister. In April 2023, Eby and Kahlon announced a new provincial housing plan, including province-wide zoning changes to permit multi-family homes, thousands of new student housing and social housing units, 10,000 transit-oriented homes, and a tax on house flipping.{{Cite web |title='Holding back our entire economy': B.C. lays out housing plan, warns house-flipping tax imminent {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9598348/bc-housing-announcement-monday-david-eby/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}

In August 2023, Eby wrote to the Bank of Canada requesting a freeze on interest rate increases, which were contributing to high mortgage payments in British Columbia.{{Cite web |title=B.C. Premier David Eby asks Bank of Canada to freeze hikes to interest rates {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9931842/bc-premier-david-eby-freeze-interest-rates/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}

In September 2023, Eby's government announced that the province's maximum permitted rent increase for 2024 would be 3.5%, above the previous 2% but below Canada's inflation rate.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-11 |title=B.C. sets maximum allowable rent increase for 2024 |url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-sets-maximum-allowable-rent-increase-for-2024-1.6556517 |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=British Columbia |language=en}}

== Economy ==

In May 2023, as the province's long-critical forestry sector faced curtailments and closures of sawmills, Eby announced a new focus on value-added lumber products, citing the inability to continue relying on high-volume raw log exports as the provinces has in the past. Under the StrongerBC post-secondary education initiative, 1,800 forestry workers will be provided job training to help shift toward value-added products like mass timber.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-04 |title=Premier David Eby says days of 'high-volume' raw log exports are over |url=https://www.surreynowleader.com/news/premier-david-eby-says-days-of-high-volume-raw-log-exports-are-over-3000836 |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Surrey Now-Leader |language=en}}

In June 2023, Eby led a trade mission to Japan, South Korea, and Singapore with the aim of reducing the risk of British Columbia's reliance on China as its second-largest national trading partner.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-05 |title=B.C. premier says Asia trade mission that omitted China helps prepare for 'the worst' |url=https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/b-c-premier-says-asia-trade-mission-that-omitted-china-helps-prepare-for-the-worst-1.6427531 |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Vancouver Island |language=en}}

== Public safety ==

In June 2023, after issuing a new bail directive requiring Crown prosecutors to seek jail for alleged violent criminals unless public safety can be reasonably assured by bail conditions, Eby expressed disappointment that federal bail reform legislation was not passed before Parliament's summer break.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-22 |title=Premier David Eby 'disappointed' after bail reform law stalls in Ottawa - The Free Press |url=https://www.thefreepress.ca/news/premier-david-eby-disappointed-after-bail-reform-law-stalls-in-ottawa/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=www.thefreepress.ca |language=en-US}} A September 2023 stabbing attack by a Forensic Psychiatric Hospital patient in Vancouver's Chinatown prompted Eby to order a review into how the patient, previously found not criminally responsible for murder, was granted an unescorted day pass.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-12 |title=Eby 'white hot angry' about Chinatown stabbings, promises action - Revelstoke Review |url=https://www.revelstokereview.com/news/eby-white-hot-angry-about-chinatown-stabbings-promises-action/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=www.revelstokereview.com |language=en-US}}

In August 2023, Eby announced a province-wide state of emergency as communities like West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, and the Shuswap were threatened by fast-moving wildfires.{{Cite web |title=CityNews |url=https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/08/18/bc-premier-state-emergency-eby/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=vancouver.citynews.ca|date=August 19, 2023 }} The 2023 wildfire season saw more than 400 structures destroyed across British Columbia. Eby and emergency management minister Bowinn Ma announced in September 2023 that they would establish a task force to make recommendations for future wildfire responses, such as increasing volunteer recruitment and providing more effective support for evacuees.{{Cite web |title=Without 'the luxury of time,' B.C. premier promises new task force on climate disasters {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9953490/bc-new-task-force-wildfires/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}

In mid-September, Eby announced that the province would begin to open facilities that would provide involuntary care under the Mental Health Act, allowing healthcare professionals to hold and treat individuals for a mental disorder against their will.{{Cite web |title=Mental Health Act {{!}} BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services |url=https://www.bcmhsus.ca/about-us/who-we-are/governance/mental-health-act |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=www.bcmhsus.ca |language=en}} This policy targeted people suffering with addictions, brain injury, and other mental-health issues. Eby also announced that his government would expand mental-health capacity at hospitals in BC by building more than 140 new beds and modernizing 280 existing ones.{{Cite web |publisher=Office of the Premier |date=2024-09-15 |title=Province launches secure care for people with brain injury, mental illness, severe addiction |url=https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PREM0043-001532 |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=BC Gov News|language=en}}

== Immigration ==

In December 2023, Eby claimed the excessive rate of immigration is damaging the labour market and the housing market.[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-premier-david-eby-trumpets-transformative-housing-initiatives-as-he-looks-back-on-2023-1.7067997 B.C. Premier David Eby trumpets 'transformative' housing initiatives as he looks back on 2023] - Dec 29, 2023 - CBC News · In an interview to CBC, the Premier said:

"The numbers are such that we can not support these folks. We're seeing significant exploitation of international students and temporary residents by employers, by landlords. We can't control the number of people coming in at the provincial level"

== Housing ==

Eby's government has taken aggressive measures to push more houses on the market, bring down the cost of construction, and build more houses in BC.

In his first 18 months in office, his government:

Eliminated single-detached exclusionary zoning in all urban communities in BC
Changed the building code to enable single-stair construction for low-rise apartments
Forced municipalities to eliminate public hearings for projects that meet legal norms
Banned short-term rentals in major cities
Increased allowed density around transit stations
Created a tax break for first-time home buyers. Properties with a fair market value of under $500,000 will now be completely tax-exempt.
Eliminated all parking minimums for sites near transit

No other province or state in North America has both ended single family zoning and mandated transit oriented density. Some commentators criticized the Eby reforms for being too extreme and ignoring municipalities, while others praised his reforms.

In December 2023, The Globe and Mail wrote:

"The problems in housing were first felt in B.C. and it’s the first place finally taking action on the scale needed to do something about it. The rest of the country should copy the B.C. blueprint."

== Education ==

In 2024, Eby announced a ban on the use of smartphones and tablets in BC Schools.{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2024 |title=BC's New Phone Ban |url=https://www.ehnewspaper.ca/articles/bcs-new-phone-ban |website=The Griffin's Nest |access-date=September 3, 2024}}

"We know that beyond just the impact on socialization, kids having access to apps with algorithms that feed them constantly, more enticing, more extreme content has an impact on their health" he said.[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/eby-schools-cellphone-1.7306551 B.C. brings in 'bell-to-bell' school cellphone ban] - August 27, 2024

== Healthcare ==

In March 2023, Eby announced that prescription contraceptives would be provided free of charge beginning on April 1, 2023.[https://bc.ctvnews.ca/access-to-free-birth-control-begins-in-british-columbia-1.6339248 Access to free birth control begins in British Columbia] CTV - April 2, 2023{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2023 |title=How UBC researchers laid the groundwork for free contraception in B.C. |url=https://www.med.ubc.ca/news/how-ubc-researchers-laid-the-groundwork-for-free-contraception-in-b-c/ |website=UBC Faculty of Medicine}} The Canadian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists applauded the decision.[https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/989561?form=fpf British Columbia, Canada, to Offer Free Prescription Contraception] Louise Gagnon, March 13, 2023

On June 1, 2023, the BC government expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists. British Columbia pharmacists are now allowed to prescribe treatment for 21 minor ailments.British Columbia pharmacists performing more than 1,000 minor ailments each day, August 9, 2023.

Source: https://www.bcpharmacy.ca/tablet/summer-23/british-columbia-pharmacists-performing-more-1000-minor-ailments-each-day Eby says this will free up doctors and hospitals for those with more complex care.

Toward the end of 2023, Eby's government adopted the International Credentials Recognition Act making it easier for foreign-trained doctors and nurses to work in British Columbia.[https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PREM0063-001750 New act streamlines credential recognition for internationally trained professionals], BC Government, November 9, 2023 This law entered into force on November 8, 2023.

After Eby's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside requested that Vancouver Coastal Health defund the Drug User Liberation Front in October 2023, he stated, "It’s unfortunate because they were providing essential life-saving work. But they were also breaking the law."{{Cite web |title=Drug User Liberation Front loses B.C. health authority funding over illegal drug purchase |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/drug-user-liberation-front-loses-bc-health-authority-funding-over-illegal-drug-purchase}}

In 2024, Eby was publicly accused by Richmond city councillor and former police officer Kash Heed of interfering with the healthcare decision to open an overdose prevention site near the city's hospital during a public health emergency.{{Cite web |title=Eby's office accused of interfering in VCH's Richmond overdose prevention site decision |url=https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/05/29/eby-office-interference-vch-overdose-prevention-site-richmond/ |website=CityNews Vancouver|date=May 30, 2024 }}

Personal life

His wife, Cailey Lynch, was a registered nurse, and later studied medicine at UBC and is now a family doctor. They have three children.{{cite web |title=Meet yoga dad: The mellowing of B.C. Attorney General David Eby |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/politics/profile-the-mellowing-of-david-eby |access-date=2021-11-18 |website=Vancouver Sun}}{{cite web|title=B.C. Premier David Eby welcomes birth of new daughter, Gwendolyn|url=https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/bc-premier-david-eby-and-wife-cailey-welcome-third-child-9149836|last=Canadian Press|date= June 27, 2024|work=Times Colonist}} Eby has been a vegetarian since he was 14 after reading Diet for a New America.{{cite web |title=Street Legal: David Eby |url=https://www.vanmag.com/city/politics/street-legal-david-eby/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Vancouver Magazine |date=December 2010}}

Elections

{{2011 British Columbia provincial by-elections/Vancouver-Point Grey}}

References

External links

[http://davidebymla.ca/ Official website]
[https://bccla.org/our_work/the-arrest-handbook-a-guide-to-your-rights/ The Arrest Handbook: A Guide to Your Rights]

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