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B.C. Attorney General David Eby announces bid to become premier

Jul 19, 2022 | 7:17 PM

VANCOUVER — A high-profile New Democrat has announced his bid to become the next premier of British Columbia, saying he has secured the support of an overwhelming majority of his party colleagues in the legislature.

Attorney General David Eby says he has the backing of 48 out of 57 NDP caucus members and is so far the only declared candidate in this fall’s leadership election, with the winner set to be announced on Dec. 3.

Several notable cabinet ministers have already said they wouldn’t run for the leadership, including Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon, Finance Minister Selina Robinson and Municipal Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen.

Eby’s announcement ends weeks of speculation after Premier John Horgan said he would resign because he no longer has the energy to seek re-election following two bouts with cancer.

Eby says that as recently as 15 days ago he thought Horgan would carry on through the fall session at a minimum, even as the premier was struggling with his health.

The attorney general says accomplishments that include launching an inquiry into money laundering and calling on municipalities to take action on affordable housing have given him the experience to tackle tough challenges if he becomes premier.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2022.

The Canadian Press