Premier David Eby says his office is cutting back on costs as he responds to claims by the Opposition B.C. Conservatives that his government is spending up to $450,000 for Vancouver-based comedian Charles Demers to write speeches.

Eby says Demers is one of five speech-writers “necessary” for his job, and notes the value of Demers’ contract so far has been $14,000, not “quite as sensational” as the Conservatives are claiming.

The Conservatives released a copy of the contract on Tuesday between government and Demers showing an hourly rate of $165 for a total cost of $150,000 over two years, which could reach $450,000 if the man is hired for two more one-year terms.

Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar says in a release that the contract “exemplifies” the government’s misplaced spendi

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