Exemplifying the NDP’s reliance on cross-provincial socialist operatives to push their broader national agenda, British Columbia Premier David Eby has appointed one of Rachel Notley’s former henchmen to lead the Premier’s Office. 

Jim Rutkowski is no stranger to NDP politics, having served as a senior advisor and principal secretary to former Alberta NDP premier Rachel Notley.

Rutkowski’s disastrous track record

His track record in Alberta, however, is far from rosy. Many Albertans still vividly recall the challenges of the Notley era, marked by economic downturns, job losses, and controversial policies that plunged Albertans into destitution.

Under Notley’s leadership, taxes and fees were raised a staggering 97 times, while the Alberta NDP’s implementation of a carbon tax cost Albertans an estimated $3 billion.

The province lost at least 180,000 jobs during her tenure, and average pay plummeted by $6,400.

His progressive beliefs

Rutkowski is a firm believer in what he calls “progressive populism”, which he defended in an op-ed he co-authored last year, praising US President Joe Biden’s economic agenda. 

“And here in Canada, B.C.’s NDP government was twice elected on a promise to work for everyday people, not those at the top,” the op-ed reads. 

Investment in Alberta dwindled as businesses grew wary of the government’s policies. Critics labelled Notley’s administration as one of the most economically damaging in Alberta’s history.

Rutkowski’s appointment in British Columbia comes as Premier Eby faces significant challenges. After narrowly resecuring his position in a contentious election, Eby is grappling with a bare majority in the legislature.

David Eby’s possible dark path for BC

Rutkowski is now set to manage the Premier’s Office for a six-month term – indicating the BC NDP doesn’t expect the government to last a very long time. 

The decision to bring in Rutkowski suggests Eby is leaning into the national NDP apparatus to staff his new government. Eby’s reliance on a figure so closely associated with Notley’s troubled legacy raises questions about whether British Columbia will follow the same dark path as Alberta during the Notley era.