A commentary by a former ­premier of British Columbia.

We live in troubling times. People are frightened and feel vulnerable. Taking advantage of that, Premier David Eby’s Bill 7 tries to establish autocratic rule for the next two years in B.C.

It’s the move of an aspiring autocrat.

Now is the time for measured, thoughtful action. Taking away democratic rights weakens us and destabilizes our future.

Eby decries President Donald Trump’s actions while copying him. He wants to rule, not to serve, the people of B.C. He is trying to set aside democracy for more than half his term.

His claim that this is necessary to address issues that may arise due to Trump’s tariffs is, put bluntly, nonsense.

This is the same premier who reneged on his commitment to call the legislature back right after the election. The election was October 19, 2024. He did not call the legislature back until February 17, well after Trump declared his intentions regarding Canada.

Eby delayed when it fit his political needs. Now, he introduces Bill 7 not to meet the province’s or Canada’s needs, but to serve his political wishes.

Eby........

© Times Colonist