Vaughn Palmer: Eby was urged to delegate responsibility to front-line ministers after almost losing the election and some thought he might actually give it a try.

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VICTORIA — David Eby started his second term as premier by centralizing more power in his office, this time to control provincial dealings with municipalities, regional districts and other local government organizations.

The premier did not highlight the shift when he announced his new cabinet lineup Monday. It was confirmed on page 2 of the 47-page cabinet order setting out the responsibilities of the premier and his 27 ministers.

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“The duties, powers and functions of the minister of municipal affairs respecting strategic relations and consultations with local government, local government organizations and others are transferred to the premier.”

The fine print of the accompanying government news release added that “the Union of B.C. Municipalities and local government relationships will move to the intergovernmental relations secretariat in the office of the premier.”

The transfer of municipal relations to the premier’s office undercut Eby’s decision to combine the ministries of Housing and Municipal Affairs into one ministry under Ravi Kahlon, housing minister in Eby’s first term.

The combination was a natural one, the premier argued. It was........

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