Conservatives accuse Premier of spending up to $450,000 on comedian to write speeches

Premier David Eby says his office is cutting back on costs as he responds to claims by the Opposition B.C. Conservatives 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 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 be reached for comment — allows 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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2025.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press