Premier David Eby says his office is cutting back on costs as he responds to claims by the Opposition B.C. Conservatives claim that his government is spending up to $450,000 for Vancouver-based comedian Charles Demers to write speeches.
Eby says Demers is one of five speech-writers “necessary” for his job, and notes the value of Demers’ contract so far has been $14,000, not “quite as sensational” as the Conservatives are claiming.
The Conservatives released a copy of the contract on Tuesday between the government and Demers showing an hourly rate of $165 for a total cost of $150,000 over two years, which could reach $450,000 if the man is hired for two more one-year terms.
Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar says in a release that the contract “exemplifies” the government’s misplaced spending priorities in the face of B.C.’s deficit, forecast to reach a record high of $11.6 billion this fiscal year.
Milobar says Demers’ contract is “not only tone-deaf” but “offensive” to taxpayers in B.C. as they face higher costs and businesses are struggling.
Eby says the use of contractors like Demers — who could not be immediately reached for comment — allows the government to cut back on costs, and the Premier’s Office is following every other office in cutting back as part of the plan to return to a balanced budget.