VANCOUVER, B.C. — In Budget 2026, introduced on February 17, David Eby’s NDP government stated that the Massey Tunnel replacement project (Highway 99 Tunnel Program/Fraser River Tunnel Project) was on track to cost $4.3 billion:

“The transportation capital plan includes investments in programs alongside an array of transit, infrastructure and highway improvements, including…$4.3 billion towards the Highway 99 Tunnel Program, including an eight-lane immersed tube Fraser River Tunnel that will replace the George Massey Tunnel…” (Budget and Fiscal Plan – 2026/27 to 2028/29, pg. 52)

But a secret leaked memo (attached) from David Eby’s own office dated December 11, 2025 – two months earlier – reveals that Eby and the NDP were aware that project costs had already more than doubled:

“While the 2021 approved budget was $4.15 billion, BC now anticipates a project budget of $8.5 billion. The project completion will also move from 2030 to 2031.” (Premier’s Office Memo, ‘Federal Partnership on the Fraser River Tunnel Project (FRTP)’, December 11, 2025, pg. 2)

Yet David Eby and the NDP kept up their $4 billion lie for months, including during hours of debate in the Legislature. The Budget received final passage on April 16, 2026, and the Government only came clean on the doubled cost on July 6, 2026 during the summer break – over six months after the date in the secret Premier’s Office memo.

“For over 6 months, David Eby lied to MLAs, journalists, and all British Columbians about the skyrocketing costs of his tunnel project,” said Trevor Halford, candidate for Surrey-White Rock. “What else is David Eby concealing from voters today as he tries to save his political skin? What other ‘surprises’ might British Columbians learn about if an NDP Government is re-elected?”

“There is truly nothing David Eby won’t lie about. Again and again, British Columbians are seeing that David Eby simply can’t be trusted. British Columbians deserve better. British Columbians deserve strong, principled leadership for serious times,” concluded Halford.

Read the full memo here.

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Alex Shiff, Director of Media Relations
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