B.C. Premier David Eby survives leadership review as NDP delegates signal support

B.C. Premier David Eby faced NDP delegates during their convention and received enough support to avoid facing a leadership review.

British Columbia Premier David Eby used his appearance at the convention of British Columbia’s New Democrats to highlight several resource projects, while saying that the federal ban on tankers off B.C.’s northern coast is here to stay.

Eby promised Saturday that B.C. will turn its natural resources into the wealth needed to “sustain strong public services for generations to come,” citing several projects his government is pursuing.

They include the North Coast Transmission Line set to power mining and LNG projects in northwestern B.C., with Eby calling the line “one of the biggest, most transformational opportunities” in a century.

He said the nation-building project, which Prime Minister Mark Carney this week listed for consideration for fast-tracking by Ottawa, will support new industries while “creating 10,000 good jobs with less pollution.”

Almost 83 per cent of delegates attending the convention later signaled their support for Eby by not asking for a leadership review.

Of the 740 delegates who cast ballots, 609 opted against calling for a review of Eby’s leadership. Two years ago, the corresponding result was just over 93 per cent.

Eby said earlier this year he would call an early election if the provincial legislation behind the transmission line was stopped or delayed, and he repeated the commitment when he spoke with reporters after his convention speech.

Delegates at the event passed a resolution that calls on the federal government to maintain the federal ban on oil tankers off B.C.’s northern coast, and to speed up the North Coast Transmission Line.