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John Rustad: NDP Gathering Is Overshadowed by a Province in Decline Under Eby

As BC New Democrats gather for their convention and David Eby's leadership review, Conservative Leader John Rustad says the Premier cannot escape the growing list of failures piling up under his government.

"Every corner of this province is feeling the consequences of an NDP government that has stopped listening, stopped responding, and stopped delivering for British Columbians," said Rustad. "From ferries to forestry to public safety to private property rights, this government is failing the people it claims to represent."

Rustad said the controversy surrounding the BC Ferries shipbuilding contract has become the defining symbol of the Eby government’s arrogance and detachment.

"Nearly ten thousand good, long-term jobs could have been created here in British Columbia. Union leaders, trades workers, ferry workers, and even long-time NDP members begged the Premier to bring this contract home. Instead, he ignored them all, sided with insiders, and sent billions of dollars offshore," Rustad said. "If your own base does not believe you are standing up for workers, you have lost your way."

Rustad said that the ferries scandal is only one example in a pattern of government failure.

"Whether it is crime, forestry, health care, or economic mismanagement, the story is always the same. When British Columbians are asking for help, this government is looking the other way."

A growing list of failures under the Eby government:

  • A collapsing forest economy and broken promises to resource communities. Under the NDP, B.C.’s annual timber harvest has fallen from about 60 million cubic metres in 2018 to roughly 35 million in 2023, despite a much higher allowable cut. That gap is not simply beetles or wildfire, it is the direct result of policy and permitting decisions that have choked off fibre supply, stalled approvals, and driven operating costs through the roof. In community after community, this has meant curtailments and permanent closures. This fall, West Fraser’s closure of the 100 Mile House mill wiped out roughly 165 direct jobs and delivered another devastating blow to a region already suffering. Workers are living with a harvest closer to 35 million cubic metres and a government with no credible plan to restore fibre access, support value added manufacturing, or protect forest dependent towns.

  • A BC Ferries contract that sent jobs offshore. Nearly ten thousand high paying shipbuilding, trades, and supply chain jobs were lost when the NDP refused to build new ferries in British Columbia. The decision has been condemned by unions, ferry workers, rank and file NDP members, and labour leaders who have demanded the work stay in the province.

  • More than two million dollars in contracts to friends, insiders, and political allies. While public services are struggling, the Premier has hired Michael Bryant, Penny Ballem, Doug White, Larry Campbell, Nathan Allen, Daniel Vigo, George Heyman, and even comedian Charlie Demers. More than two million dollars in one year has been spent on high priced consultants with close political ties. Rustad asked, "How many insiders does it take to cover up the failures of this government?"

  • A government that stood by while extortion terrorized families and businesses. Instead of acting early and decisively, the NDP allowed an extortion crisis to take root across Surrey and the Lower Mainland. Police leadership admitted they were caught on the back foot while families lived with fear and violence. Community leaders pleaded for help, yet the government responded with delays, excuses, and an awareness campaign instead of real enforcement.

  • Private property uncertainty created by the Cowichan decision. Homeowners and businesses in Richmond were left blindsided when they received letters informing them that Aboriginal title had been declared on land they believed they fully owned. Instead of providing clarity and certainty, the NDP government stalled, avoided responsibility, and left communities anxious about their homes and investments.

  • The longest strike in provincial history. Under David Eby, the enormous BCGEU strike paralyzed liquor distribution, damaged small businesses, hurt tourism operators, and cost jobs. Government mismanagement allowed the crisis to drag on far longer than necessary.

  • Unchecked deficits and runaway government spending. British Columbia is running an eleven point six billion dollar deficit, the largest in the country relative to GDP, while the cost of living rises and investment collapses. Resource revenues are falling, major projects are stalled, debt has soared toward one hundred thirty four billion dollars, and the government continues to expand spending without outcomes.

  • Economic stagnation and fleeing investment. Even before global headwinds and Donald Trump, BC’s economy was already behind the national average, driven by collapsing investment, weakening job growth, and shrinking opportunities in sectors like natural resources and construction.

  • A failure to address the crisis on the Downtown Eastside. After years of promises, three years of leadership, and countless photo ops, there has been no progress. Instead, the Premier hired yet another communications adviser, on a six-figure contract, to manage the political fallout rather than address the suffering on the ground.


Rustad said that as New Democrats gather to rally behind their leader, British Columbians are seeing something different.

"What British Columbians see is a province that is drifting, a government that is out of gas, and a Premier who is no longer listening to the people he serves," said Rustad. "This convention will be a celebration for the NDP, but for the rest of the province, it is a reminder of how badly this government has failed workers, families, and businesses."

Rustad concluded by saying it is time for a change in leadership and a change in direction.

"British Columbia deserves a government that stands up for workers, restores economic confidence, protects communities, and brings back opportunity. Under the BC Conservatives, that is exactly what we will do." 

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