B.C. Premier David Eby laughs off concerns about a comedian on the payroll
If you thought that B.C. Premier David Eby was funny; it turns out he doesn’t actually write his own jokes, after it was revealed there’s a comedian on his payroll.
This morning, a press release from the Conservative Caucus of British Columbia condemned Eby for a contract with comedian Charles Demers, which it claimed was valued at $450,000.
“If the premier wants to find something to cut, he can start with his $450,000 comedy contract. In the middle of the largest deficit in B.C.’s history, this is not only tone-deaf, it’s offensive to every taxpayer,” said Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre.
Milobar’s comments came in a press release condemning the premier for spending this money on a comedian and speechwriter while the province is in the midst of an $11.6-billion deficit.
“According to the government’s own contract records, Demers is retained at an hourly rate of $165 for an initial two-year term valued at $150,000, with options for two one-year extensions. The maximum value of the agreement is $450,000 over four years,” the Conservative Caucus release alleged.
Eby was given the opportunity to defend himself during a press conference this afternoon, thanks to reporter Richard Zussman asking him about the Conservative Caucus’s concerns.
Zussman also asked if Eby gets a discount if his jokes bomb, which got a laugh from the premier. Maybe Zussman should be writing his jokes?
“Charlie is one of a group of speech writers. Today, for example, I’m delivering five speeches. I would love to be able to write my own speeches the way that I used to, but I do need support to be able to respond to each event that I go to,” Eby said, adding that speech writers are a necessary part of the job.
Demers is more than just a Vancouver-born comedian. He’s also a voice actor, writer and political activist. He has also published several books and was nominated for a Juno in 2018 for Comedy Album of the Year.
Eby also offered some of his own numbers, which differed from those the Conservatives were alleging.
“To date, his entire contract has been worth $14,000, and he is available as needed for events, and I appreciate his assistance and the assistance of all speech writers.”
On X, CHEK News reporter Rob Shaw suggested those numbers weren’t entirely accurate, adding that the $14,000 billed is out of a $150,000 annual contract for 2025.
Eby followed up with more reassurance that his government is working to drive down administrative costs.
The topic has led to some conversation on X, and Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU, responded to further condemnation from Milobar, giving Demers his flowers.
Our strike is about getting fair wages for all civil servants in BC, not unfairly attacking individuals
Charles is not just a comedian but an accomplished writer and public intellectual – well qualified for his role
This isnt where criticism is due https://t.co/hVZGKmQRL3
— Paul Finch (@paulgfinch) September 16, 2025
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