It didn’t take Premier David Eby long to realize he was facing a hostile crowd during his recent appearance at the Urban Development Institute. Before he even got a chance to speak, the attacks began.

Rick Ilich, chair of UDI and CEO of developer Townline, used his introduction at Friday’s event to eviscerate the premier, urging him to apologize for his comments about immigration, demanding a reversal on addictions policies that have hollowed out downtown cores, and outlining the “deplorable” condition of hospitals and schools that have strained core services.

“My own mother-in-law died in an emergency room because of the strain,” he said. “Her husband sat on the floor over two and a half hours in a care facility waiting for a paramedic because of the strain.”

Not done, Ilich urged Eby to give the public service its requested eight per cent wage increase, and lamented the social policies of the NDP government.

“Perhaps today's conversation will help the thousand-plus people in the room understand why social disorder has been allowed to prosper while the provincial economy has been smothered by regulation,” he said.

“And please, let's be honest, this was all unfolding prior to Trump ever being our favourite excuse for everything.”

What an introduction.

“I’m in trouble,” Ilich admitted to the premier as he wound down, while the room applauded. “I have a feeling I shouldn’t sit by the window in a Helijet next time I see you.”

Things only got worse for Eby during the actual question and answer portion with renowned real estate marketer Bob Rennie.

The event occurred in a room of more than 1,000 developers and housing professionals that are watching their projects collapse due to high construction costs and the evaporation of the pre-sale market.

“I know how scared everybody is,” said Rennie. “We're all here trying to gather information, trying to understand where the premier is going with the direction of our province.”

Eby replied: “First of all, thanks for........

© BIV