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#BCPoli | Who Will Eby Appoint to His Cabinet?

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As Premier David Eby prepares to announce his new Cabinet on November 18th, the selection process is particularly dynamic, especially pending judicial recounts in three British Columbia ridings that will take place this upcoming weekend.

With a significant reshuffle required due to retirements, re-election losses, and a pressing need to address evolving provincial issues, David Eby’s appointments will shape the next phase of the B.C. New Democratic Party’s (NDP) governance.

Premier Eby must balance geographic and gender considerations following an election in which a record number of women were elected — but the government lost considerable ground outside of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

The Premier must also find MLAs to replace Cabinet ministers who either retired before the election or were defeated.

Education Minister Rachna Singh; Minister of Water, Land and Resources and Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Nathan Cullen; Agriculture Minister Pam Alexis; Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, Dan Coulter; and Minister of State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation, Andrew Mercier, lost their re-election bids.

Finance Minister Katrine Conroy; Forests Minister Bruce Ralston; Indigenous Relations Minister Murray Rankin; Transportation Minister Rob Fleming; Minister of State for Child Care, Mitzi Dean; Labour Minister Harry Bains; and Environment Minister George Heyman are the big names to retire at the end of the past term.

Nearly half of the 27 Cabinet members Eby had before the election are not returning to government.


Former NDP Premier Glen Clark says he’s concerned that Premier David Eby will struggle to give rural B.C. a voice because the party won only five seats outside the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Photo by Jason Payne / PostMedia Group

Glen Clark, NDP Premier from 1996 to 1999, told PostMedia’s Alec Lazenby that he’s concerned that Eby will struggle to give rural B.C. a voice because the party won only five seats outside the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. All 15 returning ministers are from those two regions.

Clark said at least two or three of the five NDP MLAs outside the major urban centres will need to be given a role in Cabinet. The five are Steve Morissette of Kootenay-Monashee, Harwinder Sandhu of Vernon-Lumby, Brittny Anderson of Kootenay Central, Tamara Davidson of North Coast-Haida Gwaii, and Randene Neill of Powell River-Sunshine Coast.


Former NDP Premier Mike Harcourt expects Premier David Eby’s Cabinet will be much smaller than his last one. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PostMedia Group

Another consideration has to be the reduced size of the NDP majority, says former NDP Premier, Mike Harcourt, giving Eby a smaller number of MLAs to work with.

Mike Harcourt, who was Premier of British Columbia from 1991 to 1996, said it will be important to place the experienced ministers in key portfolios such as finance, health, public safety and the attorney general’s office.

Harcourt cited Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth as a prime example and believes Jobs Minister Brenda Bailey would make a “very capable finance minister.”

Based on political signals and Eby’s policy priorities, here’s a look at some of the most likely and impactful Cabinet appointees.

Key Appointments in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

David Eby’s Cabinet will likely reflect Vancouver’s strong support for the B.C. NDP, where they won 12 out of 13 seats.

A probable first-time appointee is Christine Boyle, who captured a decisive 62% of the vote in Vancouver-Little Mountain. Boyle, with deep ties to the Eby family and significant experience in climate advocacy, is poised to become Minister of Climate Change and the Environment. This would align her environmental background with the B.C. NDP’s efforts to address climate-related challenges.

In Vancouver-Yaletown, retired Vancouver Police Department Inspector Terry Yung secured his seat and is an anticipated addition to the Cabinet as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Yung’s experience in law enforcement is likely to align well with Eby’s agenda on community safety and public order. Veteran MLA Mike Farnworth, who previously held this role, may take over as Minister of Finance, a shift that would leverage his decades of experience in government.

In Vancouver-South Granville, incumbent Brenda Bailey has proven herself as an effective Minister in Eby’s prior government and is likely to retain her Cabinet position, or become the NDP’s new Finance Minister, as Mr. Harcourt suggests.

Health, a demanding and highly scrutinized Ministry, is expected to see a shift, with longtime Health Minister Adrian Dix moving to another post after overseeing the Ministry since 2017. Bowinn Ma, who has significantly bolstered the B.C. NDP’s presence in North Vancouver, is widely anticipated to take over Health, bringing fresh energy to a complex portfolio.

Regional Diversity and Inclusion of Rising Stars

Beyond the immediate Vancouver area, Eby’s Cabinet will reflect strategic regional representation. In the Interior, Harwinder Sandhu, one of the five BC NDP MLAs to be elected outside the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast, is almost guaranteed a Cabinet role. Her appointment would emphasize the BC NDP’s commitment to rural regions, showcasing representation in government.

Of course, as Glen Clark suggests, consideration must also be given to Steve Morissette (Kootenay-Monashee); two-term MLA for Kootenay Central, Brittny Anderson, who we think may have an inside track to becoming a junior Minister, or Minister of State; newly-elected B.C. NDP MLA, Tamara Davidson, who represents the riding of North Coast-Haida Gwaii; not to mention, retired, high profile broadcaster Randene Neill (Powell River-Sunshine Coast), who we think is a lock for an important portfolio in the first full-term of a David Eby government.

Burnaby, a steadfast NDP stronghold, will likely see several (re)appointments.

Anne Kang, re-elected in Burnaby Centre, could remain as Minister of Municipal Affairs. In Burnaby North, Janet Routledge has a chance to join the Cabinet, while Paul Choi, newly-elected in Burnaby South-Metrotown, could also be considered as Premier Eby aims to add fresh perspectives.

In Delta North, Ravi Kahlon will almost certainly continue as Housing Minister, an area of critical focus for the Eby government given the housing crisis across British Columbia. Housing remains a top issue for Eby, who himself made housing reforms a central part of his platform. A stable and experienced presence like Kahlon will be crucial to advancing these policies, especially in urban centres.

Focusing on Surrey and the Broader Metro Vancouver Region

Surrey, a key battleground in the recent election, remains strategically important to Premier David Eby, especially given the loss of some NDP seats there.

Should Garry Begg retain his seat following the judicial recount in Surrey-Guildford this weekend, he is expected to be a top pick for Cabinet to strengthen representation in this fast growing city. Additionally, newly-elected MLAs Amna Shah in Surrey City Centre and Jessie Sunner in Surrey Newton are strong contenders for Cabinet appointments. Eby’s attention to Surrey signals an understanding of the city’s growing political and economic influence in the province.

Reappointments and Strategic Shifts on Vancouver Island

On Vancouver Island, Grace Lore, who held the Minister of Children and Family Development portfolio, is highly likely to be reappointed given her success in Victoria-Beacon Hill and experience in child welfare issues. Lana Popham, a veteran minister, is also expected to retain a Cabinet position, either continuing in her tourism and cultural portfolio or perhaps taking on a new challenge.

Sheila Malcolmson, who has effectively led the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, is another probable reappointment following her victory in Nanaimo-Gabriola Island. Jodie Osborne, in the Mid Island-Pacific Rim riding, will likely be reappointed to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, continuing her work on sustainable energy initiatives in British Columbia.

Gender Parity and Representation in Eby’s New Cabinet

With 31 out of 47 elected B.C. NDP members being women, there is a strong case for gender parity within the new Cabinet — with the possibility that two-thirds of the members of his new Cabinet will be women, reflecting their strength within the B.C. NDP caucus — a principle Eby has consistently championed. If the projected appointments proceed, Eby’s Cabinet will reflect a representative cross-section of the province, with an emphasis on female leaders in key ministries.

This commitment to gender parity aligns with Eby’s broader goal of promoting inclusivity within his government, thereby setting a standard for future Cabinets.

Notable Exclusions and Potential Surprises

While Vancouver-based MLAs dominate many of the Cabinet roles, some veterans may be left out. Spencer Chandra Herbert, who has represented Vancouver’s West End since 2009, and veteran B.C. NDP MLA Mable Elmore, representing Vancouver-Kensington, may not secure Cabinet spots due to the high concentration of Vancouver representatives. These omissions may underscore the difficult balancing act Eby faces as he strives to achieve both gender and regional representation.

Langford-Highlands’ Ravi Parmar, a relatively newcomer into the MLA ranks, elected from John Horgan’s former riding, might also be considered for Cabinet. Parmar’s inclusion would help strengthen Vancouver Island’s representation and honour Horgan’s legacy, which remains influential within the BC NDP.

A Cabinet for a New Political Era

In crafting his new Cabinet, Premier Eby aims to assemble a team that can tackle B.C.’s most pressing issues, from housing and health care to environmental sustainability and public safety. The mix of experienced veterans like Farnworth and Popham with rising stars such as Boyle and Ma reflects Eby’s commitment to balancing continuity with innovation.

The emphasis on regional and gender representation, coupled with a focus on critical ministries, positions this Cabinet to address the complexities of governing a diverse province. Moreover, by incorporating leaders from various backgrounds — public safety, municipal governance, environmental activism — Premier Eby’s Cabinet can approach these issues from fresh perspectives, creating policy solutions his government aims to resonate with a broad swath British Columbians.

#BCPoli | BC NDP Will Implement a Dignified Province-Wide Supportive Housing Agenda

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In British Columbia, Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units have long served as a last resort for many of the province’s most vulnerable individuals, including low-income residents, those with mental health challenges, and people grappling with homelessness.

However, these aging, often dilapidated buildings are increasingly unfit for human habitation. As such, there is an urgent need for the British Columbia government to transition vulnerable populations out of rundown SROs in Vancouver, Victoria and elsewhere, toward sustainable, supportive housing models.

By providing care similar to the successful systems used in European countries like Finland, B.C. can address the root causes of homelessness, poverty, and social marginalization while promoting long-term well-being and social integration.

In a 2022 interview with B.C. Legislative reporter Katie DeRosa, then with the Vancouver Sun and now in the same role with the CBC, B.C.’s New Democratic Party Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, David Eby — who was running to replace Premier John Horgan, who had resigned as Premier for health reasons, as leader of the BC NDP — had the following to say about the need for government to provide dignified supportive housing for members of British Columbia’s vulnerable populations living in communities across the province, and move these abandoned individuals out of rundown SROs …

Premier David Eby addresses need to transition people out of SROs

“There really hasn’t been a co-ordinated strategy or a plan about how we get out of the problems of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Victoria and elsewhere. I think … putting an invisible fence around neighbourhoods and saying ‘this is the best we can do’ and just hope that things work out, it’s a strategy that will no longer carry us forward.” Eby said if he’s successful in his bid to replace Premier John Horgan … he’ll co-ordinate a long-term response to homelessness issues across the province, with the support and assistance from the federal government, our province’s towns and cities, and concerned groups.

In point of fact, Premier David Eby has committed to just that, copying the Finnish model that provides supported and affordable housing.

Juha Kaakinen, Finnish CEO of the Y-Foundation, providing low-cost housing to the homeless

“We had to get rid of the night shelters and short-term hostels we still had back then. They had a very long history in Finland, and everyone could see they were not getting people out of homelessness. We decided to reverse the assumptions,” says Juha Kaakinen, CEO of Finland’s Y-Foundation, which provides low-cost flats to homeless people across Finland.

The Deplorable Conditions of SROs

SROs, originally constructed as affordable housing for the working class, have deteriorated significantly over the decades. Many SRO units in cities like Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna are plagued by chronic disrepair, pest infestations, poor heating and ventilation systems, inadequate plumbing, and a lack of basic sanitation. These environments are not only uncomfortable but dangerous, often exacerbating the mental and physical health challenges faced by their residents.

Research shows a strong correlation between poor living conditions and poor health outcomes, including increased rates of addiction, infectious diseases, and mental health crises. Furthermore, many SRO buildings are located in areas with high crime rates, compounding the risks for residents already facing social vulnerabilities. In essence, SROs have become a symbol of the failure to provide adequate housing and services to the people who need them most. Moving vulnerable individuals out of these dangerous environments is not only a moral imperative, but also a matter of public health and safety.

The Case for Supportive Housing

Supportive housing offers a more sustainable solution to the complex needs of the vulnerable populations currently residing in SROs. Unlike SROs, which often serve as temporary, stop-gap measures, supportive housing provides stable, permanent accommodations where individuals have access to social, medical, and psychological services on-site. This model addresses not only the need for safe and secure housing but also the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness and instability, such as mental health disorders, addiction, and unemployment.


The Globe and Mail’s Kerry Gold on how Finland is solving the problem of homelessness.

In European countries like Finland and Austria, supportive housing has proven to be remarkably successful. Finland, for instance, has implemented the “Housing First” model, which provides stable housing to homeless individuals as the first step toward addressing other social issues. This approach has reduced homelessness by over 50% since its introduction in 2008, with most formerly homeless individuals remaining housed long-term. Austria follows a similar model with an emphasis on affordable, long-term housing paired with social services, which has also led to positive outcomes for at-risk populations.

For B.C., adopting a comparable approach would mean transitioning away from crisis management in the form of emergency shelters or rundown SROs and toward long-term solutions that focus on stability, health, and empowerment.

Supportive housing projects, when coupled with services such as healthcare, employment training, and mental health support, help individuals reintegrate into society, reduce their dependence on public services, and lead more fulfilling lives.

Note should be made that Premier David Eby’s government alone has a long term strategy — that they have committed to implement in their next term of government —  to transition members of our vulnerable population out of rundown SROs and substandard accommodation into supportive housing

Cost Efficiency and Long-Term Benefits of Building Supportive Housing

One of the most compelling arguments for supportive housing is its cost-effectiveness. Studies from both Europe and North America demonstrate that investing in supportive housing ultimately saves governments money in the long run. Homelessness and inadequate housing impose significant costs on public systems, including healthcare, law enforcement, and emergency services.

For instance, individuals living on the streets or in unstable environments are more likely to require emergency medical attention, experience police interactions, or become involved in the criminal justice system. In contrast, when people are find safe haven and community in supportive housing, they use fewer emergency services and are better able to manage chronic health conditions, or avoid encounters with law enforcement. Finland’s Housing First model has shown that for every dollar spent on housing and support, the government saves approximately $2 in costs related to homelessness.

B.C., with its high cost of living and significant homeless population, faces similar challenges. Building and maintaining supportive housing units may initially require significant investment, but it will result in long-term savings by reducing strain on public health, criminal justice, and social services systems. Moreover, the social and economic benefits of helping individuals regain stability, employment, and health far outweigh the upfront costs.

In a government publication titled Lost in Transition, the cost of construction of thousands of supportive housing units would be made possible in part by the savings that would accrue from merging the 277 social services agencies on the DTES into 30 umbrella organizations.

Each of the 277 social agencies employs an Executive Director — at an average annual salary of $500,000 — Directors of Finance, Directors of Human Resources, Managers of Supported Housing, Property Managers and other senior administrative staff — each of these 247 individuals earning up to $375,000 annually — a duplication of services and administration funded by the province, Merging agencies would save more than $1 billion dollars annually that would helo to pay for the cost of building supportive housing on the DTES, and across the province.

The Lost in Transition report questioned if such duplication of services properly serves the interests of those who are resident, and cared for, on the DTES.

There was also recommendation in the Lost in Transition report that argued for the provincial appointment of a Commissioner who would oversee the reformation of the provision of services on the DTES, a person with the authority of a Deputy Minister who would report only to a provincially appointed Board of Directors, which would oversee the transition of the current service model, reporting as well as to the office of the Premier.

A Moral and Social Imperative of Providing Dignified Supportive Housing


Eby government planning to take co-ordination of housing provision for B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens

Finally, there’s a moral dimension to the issue.

In a society as wealthy and resource-rich as British Columbia, allowing vulnerable members of our population to languish in unsafe, unsanitary SRO units reflects poorly on social priorities.

The government has a responsibility — a responsibility recognized by those within the B.C.  New Democrat government — to protect its most vulnerable citizens, ensuring that these individuals have access to the basic necessities of life, including safe housing, healthcare, and social support.

Housing is not just a commodity; it is a human right.

By moving away from the outdated, harmful practice of relying on SROs & instead investing in supportive housing, B.C. can take a meaningful step toward ending homelessness and improving the quality of life for our most marginalized citizens.

Relocating vulnerable populations out of rundown SROs and into supportive housing is not just a practical solution; it is an ethical and economic necessity.

In adopting the supportive housing model, British Columbia can — and will, with the re-election of an NDP government — address homelessness more effectively, reduce the long-term social, moral and medical costs associated with inadequate housing, while promoting a more inclusive and caring society.

The time to act is now, with the re-election of a David Eby-led government.

The benefits of the B.C. New Democrats’ approach to building dignified housing for our most vulnerable population will be felt for generations to come.