Content: Premier David Eby received significant backing from British Columbia's New Democratic Party (NDP) during a recent convention in Victoria. Nearly 83 percent of the 743 delegates voted against initiating a leadership review, effectively reaffirming Eby’s position as party leader.

In his address to the delegates, Eby expressed gratitude, stating, "To everyone in this room — the members who are the beating heart of our movement — thank you." He acknowledged the diverse makeup of the party, which includes labor organizers, Indigenous leaders, farmers, community activists, and business people.

Despite the strong endorsement, the convention highlighted underlying tensions within the party. Delegates voiced concerns regarding the government’s approach to resource projects, its support for public sector unions, and its outreach to younger voters. Jäger Rosenberg, a candidate for party president, noted, "Young people have been lost by the NDP," emphasizing that many are frustrated by the affordability crisis and are turning to the B.C. Greens and B.C. Conservatives. He urged the party to present a compelling vision to regain their support.

The convention was the first gathering since last year’s election, where the NDP narrowly avoided losing to the B.C. Conservatives.

Tensions with the labor movement were also evident. Sussanne Skidmore, president of the B.C. Federation of Labour, remarked on the challenges faced during the recent eight-week strike by the B.C. General Employees' Union. She stated, "The government has some work to do in repairing those relationships." Eby acknowledged these tensions, saying, "I don’t need to tell our friends in the labour movement that we won’t always see eye to eye on everything. We will always defend your right to get a fair deal where they are best achieved: At the bargaining table."

The NDP is currently negotiating with the B.C. Nurses' Union and other public sector unions.

Environmental concerns also surfaced during the convention, particularly regarding the NDP’s commitment to climate change. Delegates debated the future of the forestry industry and a resolution to expedite the North Coast Transmission Line, which is essential for powering liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and critical mineral mines. Jordan Crawford, a delegate from Courtenay, expressed his discontent with Eby’s support for fast-tracking resource projects, stating, "LNG is not a transition fuel. It’s as bad as coal. I can’t support this. And I can’t support a leader who’s staking his entire position on this."

Crawford warned that the NDP risks losing support to the B.C. Greens, led by climate activist Emily Lowan, if it does not adhere to its climate goals.

Eby has emphasized the importance of the North Coast Transmission Line, calling it "one of the biggest, most transformational opportunities" in a century. He stated that the project would double electricity flow between Prince George and Terrace, supporting various resource initiatives.

During the convention, Eby also mentioned the possibility of an early election if the legislation to support the North Coast Transmission Line fails. He reassured delegates that the government intends to keep the line publicly owned by B.C. Hydro, with First Nations along the route obtaining equity stakes.

The resolution to support the transmission line passed with overwhelming approval. Eby concluded by stressing the need for the party to be prepared for potential electoral challenges, particularly from the B.C. Conservatives. "(It’s) the last thing we want to do, but we do need to be ready," he said.