Appointment of Downtown Eastside ‘czar’ under scrutiny [Video]

One of David Eby’s first priorities when he became leader of the B.C. NDP and premier was to tackle the entrenched poverty, mental health and addictions issues facing residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. 

More than two years later, a former Ontario attorney general and head of Legal Aid B.C. has been appointed to help fix issues in the area once described as Canada’s poorest postal code.

But Michael Bryant’s role as a consultant is raising questions. He was installed in the position in February with little public announcement, a six-month contract worth $150,000, plus an allowance of $25,000 in expenses.