Vaughn Palmer: Eby’s top-heavy leadership reflects approaching election date

VICTORIA — Premier David Eby continued to centralize power in his office this week, adding another special adviser to help drive one of his policy priorities.

The latest addition to the burgeoning ranks of senior officials in the premier’s office is Lisa Helps, named “housing solutions adviser” to Eby.

Helps retired last year after two terms as mayor of Victoria. She has demonstrated no great expertise in housing, other than agreeing with Eby on the need to build more units for middle-income families.

She’ll be working with newly appointed Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon “to build housing for middle-income families, individuals and seniors,” Eby said.

“I look forward to meeting with her to talk about how we can address these challenges,” said Kahlon.