Overview

• The Opposition released a government contract listing Charles Demers at $165 per hour with an initial two-year maximum of $150,000 and options that could bring the total to $450,000.
• Premier David Eby said Demers is one of five speechwriters and argued that using contractors helps control administrative costs as his office trims spending.
• Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar called the arrangement offensive to taxpayers given a projected $11.6 billion provincial deficit.
• Media coverage flagged unresolved questions about the totals, with one reporter suggesting the $14,000 billed may be part of a $150,000 allocation for 2025.
• The contract was signed in February, and labour leader Paul Finch publicly defended Demers’ qualifications for the role.