Premier David Eby addressed hundreds of delegates at the 2025 CUPE BC Convention connecting with members for the first time since re-election in October.
Premier Eby remarked on this time of grief and memorial on this day of mourning for the 11 people lost in the tragedy on April 26 at the Lapu Lapu festival Vancouver celebrating the Filipino resistance against colonization.
“A joyous celebration of Filipino Culture and community ended in a senseless, deadly attack, said Premier Eby. “Today, we are marking an official provincial day of remembrance and mourning for the victims.”
Thanking the CUPE 911 operators from Local 8911 and BC Ambulance Paramedics from Local 873 the Premier called for applause for being “heroes in an instant when we desperately needed some.”
“We are here together at one of the most challenging times in our history,” Premier Eby said to CUPE members who work supporting people and communities. “We’re uniting like never before to defend our country’s ability to make our own decisions and control our own future.”
The Premier spoke to the BC NDP government response to President Trump’s threats to Canada’s economy and sovereignty including making certain B.C. has the services to support people in this uncertain time.
“Strong public services, delivered by union members, are the foundation of a strong economy, said Premier Eby. “We stand on our own two feet with an economy that serves working people. One where strong public services are there when people are relying on them most. A strong B.C. in an independent Canada - where no one gets left behind.”