DAVID Eby launched the BC NDP election campaign on Friday with a commitment to take real action to help British Columbians so people don’t just get by, they get ahead.

“I love B.C.; it’s an amazing place and British Columbians are exceptional. But too many people are feeling worried and uncertain about the future,” said Eby, surrounded by dozens of families and friends in Surrey. “If I earn the trust of British Columbians this election, from day 1 I will continue to be laser-focused on tackling today’s tough challenges–helping people with costs, delivering middle-class homes, and strengthening health care. So that everyone can build a good life here.”

Eby underlined that this election will be a stark choice between two very different plans for the future of British Columbia, pointing to John Rustad’s 20-year record of costing people more and cutting the things that matter to families.

“John Rustad’s plan would help those who already have the most and make everybody else pay the price,” said Eby. “His tax cuts for the top 2% would be paid for in higher fees and tolls for ordinary people. His cuts to health care would mean firing health workers and cancelling hospital projects. And ripping up our housing plan would jack up rent prices just when we’re starting to see them come down. It’s a risk we can’t afford.”

Eby was introduced by Baltej Dhillon, a decorated police officer and BC NDP candidate in the new riding of Surrey-Serpentine. Dhillon made history as the first RCMP officer to be allowed to wear a turban as part of his uniform.

“At a time when we’re facing so many big challenges, we need a premier who’s on our side–and that’s David Eby,” said Dhillon. “David’s not afraid of anyone or any challenge. He’s spent a lifetime standing up for people against powerful interests – from slumlords and real estate speculators to opioid manufacturers and organized crime. He’s taken them on – and he’s won.”