Eby’s Conservative Imitation Can’t Hide His Record of Failure

VICTORIA, B.C.: Conservative Opposition Leader John Rustad says Premier David Eby’s sudden shift to embrace conservative policies on immigration, the Cowichan appeal, and fiscal restraint is nothing more than a desperate political pivot to distract from his government’s record of failure.

“David Eby is trying to put on a new costume, but British Columbians know the record he’s trying to run from,” Rustad said. “He can mimic our calls on immigration reform, copy our demand to expedite the Cowichan appeal, and even pretend to be a fiscal hawk when it comes to public sector negotiations. What he cannot change are the facts: record debt, a declining economy, high youth unemployment, a collapsing healthcare system, and a catch-and-release justice system that fails to protect ordinary people from repeat violent offenders.”

Rustad pointed to the premier’s attempt to shift blame onto Ottawa for immigration challenges, even as his own government has overseen skyrocketing costs of living and a worsening jobs market. “This week’s jobs numbers show youth unemployment nearing 13 percent. While the premier holds press conferences to pretend he’s a conservative, 16,000 more British Columbian families face unemployment. At the same time, small business owners are telling us they’re exhausted by vandalism, violence, and chaos in their communities,” Rustad said. “Families and job creators are paying the price for this government’s failures.”

Rustad added that Eby’s recent posturing on fiscal responsibility is laughable given the NDP’s track record. “This is a premier who has driven B.C. into record debt and deficits, and now suddenly wants to claim he’s standing up for taxpayers. Nobody is buying it. You can’t dig a hole for years and then pose as the guy with the shovel.”

Rustad said British Columbians deserve more than spin and political games. “People want safe streets, access to healthcare, good paying jobs, affordable housing, and confidence that their government is being honest with them. David Eby can change his talking points, but he can’t change the damage his government has done.”

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Media Contact:
Brad Zubyk, Chief of Staff
Conservative Caucus of B.C.
brad.zubyk@leg.bc.ca