B.C. Premier David Eby focuses on public safety in pre-campaign address

In a spirited rally-style address on Thursday, B.C. Premier David Eby delivered what was likely his final major speech before the official start of the provincial election campaign period.

Speaking at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention, Eby reflected on his tenure as leader of the NDP, while highlighting key themes related to the challenges facing the province.

Stopping short of unveiling any new policy announcements, the premier assured a room full of B.C.’s mayors that a central focus of his upcoming platform would be addressing the pressing issues of public safety affecting downtown areas across the province.

Eby specifically addressed concerns raised by both smaller communities such as Trail and Terrace, as well as larger urban cities like Nanaimo, Abbotsford, and Vancouver.

“What you will see… is a commitment to you around additional resources for community policing for downtowns that are under this kind of stress,” he said. “By having a strong and visible law enforcement presence, coupled with the social supports we’ve put in place…we’ll be able to ensure our communities are safe, everybody is looked after, and our downtown’s recover, and are strong and successful for every British Columbian.”

The NDP leader also told municipal leaders that, if elected, he would work closely with them to ensure shared prosperity.

“We’ve got a lot to do to support British Columbian’s in this time that they are under strain. We’re only going to do that [by] working together.”

During his half-hour speech, Eby refrained from offering any eleventh-hour budget updates, but did hint at new policy announcements expected after the writ is issued on Saturday.

Additionally, the premier referenced his opposition to BC Conservatives’ policies, cautioning his audience about the possible consequences of a leadership change.

Mayors and councillors had the chance to ask questions, many concerned about lost revenue from the end of the carbon tax. Eby gave few details, aside from a repeated commitment to continue to tax large emitters even after dropping the consumer carbon tax.

On Friday, delegates will hear from leaders of the B.C. Conservatives and the BC Green Party to conclude the week-long convention.

The provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 19.

— With files from Jack Morse.