Vaughn Palmer: David Eby about to call a totally unnecessary B.C. election

VICTORIA — Premier David Eby faced tough questions about his scheme to call a snap election when he addressed the annual convention of local government leaders in Vancouver on Friday.

“There are 3,500 British Columbians about to launch local campaigns, and many of those candidates are in the room today,” said the Union of B.C. Municipalities president, Cori Ramsay.

“We don’t know if or when you might call a snap election. What we do want to know, though, is whether you can assure British Columbians that you will wait four weeks before making such a decision.”

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The day before, the UBCM had passed an emergency motion, calling on the province to respect the local government election process, which end the election day set for on Oct. 17.

“We have set election dates in B.C. for good reason and it’s to avoid overlapping elections,” as Ramsay put it during the debate on the motion.

Eby acknowledged the resolution even as he refused to rule out a provincial election call that would intrude into the civic election window.

“We haven’t made any decisions yet, Cori,” Eby told Ramsay, which was close to a lie.

As of Friday, the New Democrats were deep into preparations for the election call, expected today. They were actively recruiting candidates, telling them to be ready. Ministers and MLAs were told to declare their intentions about retiring or running again. Elections B.C. was directed to start preparations for a four-week campaign starting this week.

The decision was made, as Eby knew very well, even as he mouthed his denial.

Still, he kept up the pretence of a premier showing respect for local government.

“I’m aware of the resolution that was passed from the floor, and I understand the anxiety of candidates in the room,” Eby claimed.

“The issues faced by local governments are crucial for the future of the province. It’s important that they have the attention that they need. And I understand why local leaders would be concerned about overlapping elections. We’ll certainly consider the resolution and the advice, just like we consider all resolutions that come forward from local governments.”

Pure unadulterated guff. The premier and his election team had already considered and rejected any idea of holding off on a provincial campaign while the civic campaigns played out.