In politics – as in other aspects of life – when it rains, it often pours. And on a soggy day in Maple Ridge, B.C. Premier David Eby faced up to the deluge of negative headlines he and the NDP have dealt with in recent months while taking questions at an unrelated news conference. “I understand why British Columbians are frustrated, but I can assure them that there is no place else that I would rather be than in this province right now to face these huge challenges,” Eby insisted when CTV News asked about a new poll from the Angus Reid Institute. That firm has found Eby’s support has dropped from 53 per cent approval this time last year to a new low of 37 per cent. The challenges include the recent budget projecting a $13-billion deficit, controversies over the government’s handling of aboriginal title, and how it/s managing the health-care system. Asked about whether he still has caucus support, Eby briefly acknowledged his “good solid caucus” before going after the opposition. “I look across the way,” Eby said. “I see the conservatives in total disarray. Attacks on each other, Unclear direction, in financial distress with almost a dozen people running for leader after throwing out their leader. Five MLAs leaving the caucus.” That move from Eby to bring the B.C. Conservatives into a question related to whether he still has caucus support isn’t sitting well with interim Conservative leader Trevor Halford. “I think the premier’s got to focus on his own backyard,” Halford told CTV News. “The fact of the matter is, the last three months, our polling has been significant, our fundraising has been very strong. But we’re focused on the real issues – and that’s putting forward a credible alternative to this NDP government.” What’s clear is that Eby is getting out in public trying to change perception, including Wednesday’s election period style photo op at a new welding fabrication facility. “If things continue down this path and the NDP continues to suffer in the polls in this way … we will hear louder calls for a change in leadership,” said University of British Columbia political scientist Stewart Prest. “But we’re still some way from that moment.” With trade and geopolitical issues still posing challenges for B.C.’s economy, Eby still has one thing on his side as he looks to turn his political fortunes around – time – with the next election not scheduled for another two-and-a-half years. The Angus Reid Institute survey, which measured the approval of premiers across the country, was conducted online from March 11 to 17, using a randomized sample of 4,005 Canadian adults. The firm said the margin of error for the B.C. results was plus or minus four percentage points.
