Premier-designate David Eby will bring a strong skill-set to the office of premier, according to Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons.
Simons confirmed his support for Eby after rival Anjali Appadurai was disqualified from the NDP leadership contest last Wednesday following a report by the party's chief electoral officer, Elizabeth Cull.
Simons said on October 24, Eby came to the New Democratic Party caucus meeting, so things are moving rapidly. Eby has been acclaimed as premier-designate after his opponent for the premier’ position, Anjali Apparadurai, was disqualified from the NDP leadership contest.
“There were a lot of good wishes and we’re getting along so well,” said Simons. “We’re getting things done and we’re going to continue to do that. I think that was essentially the tone of the caucus meeting today.”
Simons said he hopes he is able to continue serving in cabinet under Eby’s administration.
“It would be an honour to continue to serve in cabinet,” said Simons. “I’m happy with the ability to influence policy changes and to continue to represent the people of the Sunshine Coast. It continues to be an honour and I hope to continue to do so in the cabinet of David Eby.”
The premier-designate has a two-year mandate, if he doesn’t call an election before the four-year term expires.
“I look forward to rolling up my sleeves,” said Simons, “and carrying on with the new administrations.”
In terms of sitting around the cabinet table with Eby in his capacity as attorney general, Simons said the premier to be is a thoughtful person who comes to the table extremely prepared with insight.
“He’s always been absolutely on top of all the issues that have come to our table,” said Simons. “I expect him to continue with that reputation for efficiency and a strong focus on all of the issues he takes on. I would say that his thoughtfulness and work ethic are going to serve the people of British Columbia well, not to mention that he is a very personable person as well.
“He doesn’t have the same gregarious nature as the outgoing premier, of course, but I do think that the premier-designate is going to focus on the key issues in our communities, such as health care, homes for people who need them and safety in our streets. Those are the issues he and the caucus and cabinet will be putting full attention towards as we deal with these ongoing social issues.”
Simons said there have been a number of big challenges that have been taken on by Eby, including the ICBC “dumpster fire,” which was extinguished. He said there was massive, runaway money laundering, which Simons said Eby skilfully addressed. Simons added that getting big corporations and big unions out of political fundraising was one of the initiatives Eby was instrumental in ensuring took place. Another initiative was suing big pharmaceutical corporations over the impact of the opioid crisis, said Simons.
“He takes on these issues and he will stay focused on them until they are resolved,” said Simons. “I expect the same approach to be utilized as we deal with the challenges ahead.”
