In the high-stakes world of political messaging, British Columbia Premier David Eby finds himself defending an unusual communication strategy that has raised eyebrows across the province. The Premier recently acknowledged hiring comedian Charles Demers on a $15,000 contract to assist with speech writing—a revelation that has ignited intense scrutiny from opposition parties and taxpayer advocates alike.
“Humour is an important way to connect with people,” Eby explained during a recent press conference, standing firm on his decision despite mounting criticism. “It’s actually quite common for speechwriters to have backgrounds in comedy and in writing.”
The controversial six-month contract, which ran from September 2023 to March 2024, came to light through freedom of information requests filed by opposition parties. According to CO24 Politics sources, the comedian-turned-speechwriter was tasked with injecting levity and relatability into the Premier’s public addresses during a period of significant economic challenges for British Columbians.
BC Conservative Leader John Rustad led the charge against what he characterized as frivolous spending, questioning the appropriateness of such expenditures while many citizens struggle with affordability issues. “British Columbians are having a hard time paying their bills… and this is what the premier is focused on,” Rustad remarked, suggesting the funds could have been better allocated to address housing concerns or healthcare shortfalls.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation echoed these sentiments, with BC Director Carson Binda arguing that the contract represents misplaced priorities in provincial leadership. “I think most British Columbians would rather see their tax dollars go toward hiring more healthcare workers than helping the premier tell jokes,” Binda stated in comments to local media.
Demers, a well-known figure in Vancouver’s comedy scene, has maintained a low profile since the controversy erupted. His credentials include writing for CBC comedy shows and authoring several books, qualifications that Premier Eby’s office emphasized when defending the hiring decision.
Political communication experts interviewed by CO24 News offer mixed assessments of the strategy. Dr. Samantha Kelley, a political communications professor at Simon Fraser University, suggests there may be method to what critics see as madness. “Research shows that humor can make political messages more memorable and build rapport with constituents,” Kelley explained. “However, timing is everything—during economic hardship, such expenditures inevitably face heightened scrutiny.”
The Premier’s office has attempted to contextualize the contract within broader communication efforts, noting that speech writing represents a standard expense for government officials. Senior staff emphasized that effective communication with the public remains essential for governance, regardless of economic conditions.
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Canada’s broader political landscape, where politicians increasingly seek authentic connections with voters. The incident raises fundamental questions about the allocation of public resources and the fine line between relatable leadership and perceived extravagance.
As this debate continues to unfold in Victoria, British Columbians are left wondering: In an era of tight household budgets and economic uncertainty, should taxpayer dollars fund political humor, or does effective governance sometimes require investments that, at first glance, may seem difficult to justify?
