B.C. Premier David Eby has hired a comedian to help write his speeches under a government contract valued at up to $150,000. The revelation, made public by the B.C. Conservatives on September 16, has drawn attention amid concerns over the provincial deficit.
The contract names Vancouver-based comedian Charles Demers, who will be paid $165 per hour for his work as part of a speechwriting team. The agreement, which runs from February 6, 2025, to January 31, 2027, also allows the government the option to extend for two additional one-year terms. Eby confirmed that Demers has so far received $14,000 and is only one part of a broader speechwriting team he relies on for multiple events.
“Today, for example, I’m delivering five speeches,” Eby told reporters. “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. Speechwriters are a necessary part of the job.”
Charles Demers is a well-known Canadian comedian and author, nominated for both a Juno Award and a B.C. Book Prize. He frequently appears on CBC Radio’s The Debaters and has performed on national television. Demers also co-starred in the Netflix series Beat Bugs and The Last Kids on Earth. He previously spoke at Eby’s swearing-in ceremony in 2022, reflecting his longstanding connection to the Premier.
The contract has sparked criticism from opposition parties. B.C. Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar highlighted the agreement in a news release, framing it as an example of government spending that contrasts with the province’s rising fiscal pressures. He estimated that, with possible extensions, the contract could total $450,000.
“If the premier wants to find something to cut, he can start with his $450,000 comedy contract,” Milobar said. “In the middle of the largest deficit in B.C.’s history, this is not only tone-deaf, it’s offensive to every taxpayer.”
Milobar emphasized other pressing concerns, including the projected $11.6 billion provincial deficit, rising debt servicing costs, delays in hospital construction, and high youth unemployment. He argued these issues are far more urgent than funding a comedy speechwriting contract.
Eby defended the spending, noting that the current actual expense of $14,000 is minor in the context of overall government communications costs. He said the coverage of the contract exaggerates the significance of the spending. “In this case, $14,000 for a speechwriter is not quite as sensational as the headline that the Conservatives are using,” Eby explained.
While the controversy centers on the cost of hiring a comedian, supporters argue that speechwriters are a standard part of political communications. Eby delivers multiple speeches daily, requiring timely preparation and tailored messaging for different audiences. Having professional support, even from a comedian, can help ensure speeches are engaging and effective.
Demers’ involvement adds a unique element to the speechwriting team. Known for his humor, sharp observation, and national recognition, he brings experience in connecting with audiences through witty, thoughtful communication. This expertise is seen as valuable for speeches that need to resonate with the public.
The Premier’s office emphasized that the decision to hire a comedian is part of a broader approach to professional communications, not an extravagant use of public funds. The contract’s structure allows flexibility, with extensions requiring approval and assessment of ongoing needs.
As debate continues over the appropriateness of the spending, the story has drawn widespread attention to the intersection of politics, communications, and entertainment. Critics focus on timing, given the province’s fiscal challenges, while supporters highlight the practicality of ensuring speeches are prepared and engaging.
The contract between Eby and Demers illustrates a modern approach to political messaging, blending professional speechwriting with elements of performance and audience engagement. As B.C.’s government navigates a challenging fiscal environment, the discussion around this agreement is likely to continue in public and political circles.
