David Eby was sworn in as Premier on Friday, Nov. 18, officially replacing the outgoing John Horgan as the leader of the B.C. government. (BC Government)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

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Nov 18, 2022 | 12:02 PM

VANCOUVER — David Eby became B.C.’s 37th premier during a ceremony Friday morning (Nov. 18), surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and community members from throughout the province.

In a ceremony held in the Musqueam Community Centre, Eby committed to tackle head-on the challenges people are facing, while making meaningful improvements in the lives of British Columbians.

“British Columbia is a wonderful place to call home,” said Eby. “At the same time, people are feeling uncertain about the future and worried about their families. I’m proud of the work done by John Horgan and our government to put people first.”

The Premier promised swift action on the most pressing issues facing British Columbians: fixing the housing crisis, making communities safer, strengthening health care and acting on climate change.

All work will be done in close partnership with Indigenous Peoples, as well as federal and municipal governments.

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The ceremony was hosted by the Musqueam Indian Band, the first-ever swearing in hosted by a First Nation in British Columbia.

Premier Eby and invited guests were greeted by traditional drumming and a welcome from Chief Wayne Sparrow, who hailed the event as an important symbol of a shared vision of reconciliation and strengthening government-to-government relationships.

“Musqueam is pleased to host this historic event in our community. David Eby is the first B.C. premier sworn in at a First Nation – an encouraging signal that he is dedicated to reconciliation and authentic partnerships with First Nations,” said Chief Sparrow (yəχʷyaχʷələq).

“Musqueam wants reconciliation to be more than a buzzword. We want action that creates substantial, positive change for Musqueam and all Indigenous people in B.C. We will be looking to Premier Eby to provide the leadership needed to truly implement Indigenous rights and create a prosperous future for every British Columbian.”

According to a news release from the provincial government, Premier Eby’s first action as premier is two new cost-of-living credits for B.C. residents and businesses to help people with bills, groceries or transportation costs:

* a one-time $100 cost-of-living credit for BC Hydro customers – equivalent to one month of electricity charges for most single-family homeowners; and

* a new B.C. Affordability Credit to help low- and middle-income earners with rising costs.

The new B.C. Affordability Credit will provide as much as an additional $164 per adult, and $41 per child, or as much as $410 for a family with two children earning $43,051, with a sliding scale of credits for families earning as much as $150,051.

Eby was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey in 2013, serving as the Opposition critic for housing and gaming policy.

After the B.C. NDP formed government in 2017, Eby was appointed attorney general and minister responsible for ICBC, gaming and liquor. In 2020, Eby was appointed as the minister responsible for housing.

He lives in Vancouver with his wife, Dr. Cailey Lynch, a practising family doctor, and their children, Ezra and Iva.

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