Sunday December 24, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Premier David Eby has now served one year in the top job, leading the NDP and the BC government through highly transitional tumultuous times.
He became premier just over one year ago, refreshed the Horgan cabinet with his own tone and direction, and worked fast to place his mark on politics, economy and society through 2023. He’s applied strident energy to locking in major policy shifts in housing, health care and environment while underpinning the stability for low and middle incomes residents.
A highlight in spring 2023 was rolling out hundreds of millions of dollars from a once-in-a-generation budget surplus (from 2022-2023) including into areas like agriculture and food security, public libraries, and keeping BC Ferries fares affordable.
Big changes in the past year have included the emergence of widespread and deep socioeconomic impacts from the pandemic, the damaging impact of interest rates that rose rapidly through 2022 and most of 2023, and the sheer magnitude of a major population increase in 2021 through 2023 that burdens the housing, health-care and education systems.
Here is Premier Eby’s full statement for Christmas 2023, with a very light touch on politics. The emphasis is on supporting and helping others, which is “what Christmas and British Columbia are all about”.
He and his wife Cailey are expecting their third child around June 2024.
Premier’s statement on Christmas
“Christmas is a treasured time for families in B.C. and around the world, including mine.
“It’s a time to connect with family, friends and neighbours. A time to enjoy fun traditions like going to community celebrations, decorating the tree and exchanging presents. And a time to give back to our communities.
“Tonight, my family and I will put out homemade cookies for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph, and eagerly await the magic of Christmas morning.
“Tomorrow, Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, while people of various faiths and backgrounds will celebrate the universal message of Christmas: peace, love, joy and hope.
“It has been a challenging year for many people in B.C. and around the world. This holiday season, I have been reminded that when times are tough, British Columbians step up to support each other.
“Kids and adults alike have donated to toy drives, Christmas hampers and food banks. Businesses and community organizations have put on free festive events that are open to all. Groups of friends and co-workers have sponsored and served meals at community kitchens. School choirs have sung Christmas carols at care homes. And many families are opening their homes to people who would have otherwise been alone on Christmas.
“These acts of kindness, generosity and togetherness are, for me, what Christmas and British Columbia are all about.
“From my family to yours, merry Christmas and happy new year!”
===== RELATED:
Newsmakers of the Year 2023 | Glimpse to 2024 (December 23, 2023)