David Eby has been criticized over his trip to Japan, namely the activities he's taken part in.Numerous British Columbians slammed the premier for not being in Canada at a critical moment in time.While in Osaka, Eby took time to showcase "the world's very first wood leather soccer ball," which was developed by a team at the University of British Columbia."While this prototype won't be used in any FIFA matches soon," he said, "it represents BC's creativity and leadership in a sustainable economy."."Eby needs to spend less time playing with balls and more time working to build a pipeline to unite Canada," BC Conservative leader John Rustad wrote in a post on X..His sentiments were shared by fellow BC Conservative MLA Brent Chapman."Interesting to see a wood leather soccer ball showcased overseas," he wrote, "but here at home, British Columbians are facing a very different reality. Families are struggling with skyrocketing costs, mill closures are devastating communities, and critical services are stretched thin."He argued that "under David Eby's leadership, people are falling further behind while government priorities drift further away from everyday needs," and that, while "innovation is important ... so is governing.".As Eby advertised BC to the world, premiers in Canada met with Prime Minister Carney to discuss interprovincial trade and projects of national interest. .BC says Smith's pipeline proposal has 'no proponent at this stage'.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called on BC to support a pipeline from Hudson's Bay to the Pacific, but Eby's second-in-command Niki Sharma said such a proposal had "no proponent at this stage."."While Eby plays tourist in Asia, he's missed critical talks with Premiers & PM on interprovincial trade," BC Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens lamented. "He's also refusing to even discuss energy infrastructure we need to bring prosperity, diversify our exports, and protect our national sovereignty. BC can't afford more of this reckless & ideologically driven NDP Government.".According to the CBC, Eby's trip hasn't been all fun and games. He told reporters that companies in Asia have expressed interest in BC's critical minerals and liquified natural gas, which could signal a shift away from current markets towards new, more predictable alternatives.
