The British Columbia NDP government faces mounting criticism as revelations surface about a substantial increase in spending on external consultants and advisers since taking power in 2017. What began as routine financial oversight has evolved into a significant political controversy that threatens to undermine Premier David Eby’s administration.
Financial records obtained through Freedom of Information requests reveal that the provincial government has awarded over $200 million in consulting contracts over the past fiscal year alone, representing a 47 percent increase compared to expenditures under the previous Liberal government. The spike in spending has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, particularly as the NDP campaigned on promises of fiscal responsibility and government transparency.
“These numbers reveal a troubling pattern of expenditure that contradicts the NDP’s public messaging about responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said BC Liberal finance critic Peter Milobar in a statement obtained by CO24. “British Columbians deserve to know why millions are flowing to consultants while essential services remain underfunded.”
Of particular concern are contracts awarded to firms with apparent connections to the NDP. Analysis of the contract recipients shows that at least 12 major consulting firms have former NDP staffers or campaign workers in senior positions. This pattern has fueled accusations of partisan favoritism in the awarding process.
Premier Eby defended the spending during a press conference yesterday, insisting that external expertise was necessary to implement ambitious government programs. “The complexity of issues facing British Columbia today—from the housing crisis to healthcare reform—sometimes requires specialized knowledge that isn’t readily available within the civil service,” Eby stated.
However, internal government documents obtained by CO24 indicate that several ministries had expressed concerns about the growing reliance on external consultants. A confidential memo from the Ministry of Finance warned that “continued expansion of consultant expenditures poses significant long-term budgetary challenges” and recommended “development of internal capacity as a more sustainable alternative.”
The BC Green Party has seized on the controversy, with leader Sonia Furstenau calling for an independent audit of all consultant contracts awarded since 2020. “This isn’t just about the money—though $200 million is certainly significant—it’s about transparency and ensuring that procurement processes aren’t being influenced by political connections,” Furstenau said.
Public sector unions have also voiced concern, suggesting that the funds could be better used to strengthen the civil service. “Every dollar spent on private consultants is a dollar not invested in building public service capacity,” said Stephanie Smith, president of the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union.
The controversy comes at a particularly challenging time for the Eby government, which is already facing criticism over housing affordability, healthcare wait times, and public safety concerns. Political analysts suggest this issue could resonate with voters who are increasingly sensitive to government spending amid economic uncertainty.
As scrutiny intensifies, the government has promised a comprehensive review of consultant contracts, though critics argue this falls short of the independent investigation needed. With provincial elections on the horizon, the question remains: will voters view this spending as necessary investment in expertise, or as evidence of misplaced priorities and potential cronyism in government procurement?
