B.C. United calls Eby’s firing of Utilities Commission CEO David Morton ‘drastic move’

The B.C. United party is denouncing the NDP’s recent firing of Utilities Commission CEO David Morton, calling it “a drastic move” ahead of an election.

Jaccard, who previously served as the chairman and CEO of the BCUC from 1992 to 1997, is a professor at Simon Fraser University. Jaccard takes over from Morton, who served as chairman of the BCUC since his appointment in 2015.

Tom Shypitka, B.C. United MLA for Kootenay East, responded to the decision by accusing the government of appointing an NDP supporter on the panel before the election.

“The firing of BCUC CEO and board chair David Morton is a drastic move by this NDP government to politicize the panel ahead of the next election, similar to their reckless political interference of B.C. Ferries that only resulted in further chaos and inefficiency,” said Shypitka in a statement.

He said Morton still had more than a year left on his mandate and should have been in that role until December 2024, adding that he’s concerned Jaccard will continue to criticize LNG projects and “take every chance to kill good-paying jobs for British Columbians.”