Premier Eby Hires Comedian to Write Speeches

Eby now makes speeches on a lighter note with comedic touch

Political reporters covering British Columbia politics were surprised to learn Premier David Eby has hired a comedian to help him write his speeches.

While Eby is on the serious side, after all, he governs the province, does he need to show he's funny too?

Being a premier is no laughing matter!

Demers is a comedian and friend of Eby's

But earlier this week the Conservatives released a copy of comedian Charlie Demers' contract showing he is being paid $156 an hour. The Conservative finance critic immediately pounced on this, questioning the hiring of a comedian to be a speechwriter was a good use of taxpayer money since the province is already over $11 billion -- yes billion -- in debt.

When asked about hiring Demers (who is also a friend), Eby didn't think it was funny.

"Charlie is one of a group of speech writers," Eby said. "Today, for example, I'm delivering five speeches. I would love to be able to write my own speeches the way that I used to. But I do need support to be able to respond to each event that I go to. Speech writers are a necessary part of the job."

Sure, we get that, but a comedian?

However, this isn't Demers first time speech writing for a politician. He has written stuff previously for Energy Minster Adrian Dix and the late former Premier John Horgan. Demers has strong ties with the NDP.

Taxpayers are probably not amused a comedian is writing the premier's speeches...