Tanking in the polls, Eby takes tough questions in Maple Ridge<\/p>\n
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, March 18, 2026<\/p>\n
B.C. Premier David Eby faced tough questions from the media during his stop in Maple Ridge, as the morning news on March 18 had him nosediving in public approval polls.<\/p>\n
The Angus Reid Institute conducted a poll that showed Eby\u2019s approval rating at a low of 37 per cent \u2013 down 16 points from a year ago, when it stood at 53 per cent.<\/p>\n
Despite the move to permanent daylight savings time, Eby is falling back while other premiers spring ahead, Angus Reid quipped.<\/p>\n
The premier blamed hard times caused by U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s tarriffs and other factors, for the low mark.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that British Columbians are facing big challenges out there. We have faced dramatic impacts from the trade war with the United States, we\u2019ve had a couple of challenging decisions about our reconciliation work that we are doing with first nations, and we\u2019ve had a very hard budget,\u201d he told reporters.<\/p>\n
The province faces increased demand for health care services, declining revenue from natural resources due to low global prices, and now high gas prices due to the U.S. war in Iran, Eby said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese pressures are not unique to British Columbia, they\u2019re across the country,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
He referred to the controversial Cowichan Tribes decision which created uncertainty regarding private property rights, and the B.C. budget that included a record $13.3 billion deficit.<\/p>\n
However, he asserts the NDP caucus remains united, while the BC Conservative party is in the middle of a leadership race, after leader John Rustad resigned at the end of last year. And they have had five mlas leave their caucus, after resigning or being removed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look at our side, we\u2019re solid, we know where we\u2019re going, driving the provincial economy, we\u2019ve got a plan, the plan is working,\u201d said Eby.<\/p>\n
On the issue of maternity diversions that see women who are expecting sent away from Ridge Meadows Hospital to neighbouring facilities, he said the province is grappling with a lack of specialist physicians.<\/p>\n