B.C. Premier David Eby temporarily replaces spokesperson with identical twin

Advertisement

Advertise with us

VICTORIA - British Columbia Premier David Eby hasn't had to familiarize himself with a new face in his office after deputy director of communications James Smith left for another job — he simply tapped Smith's identical twin brother, George.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $1.44 a week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

VICTORIA – British Columbia Premier David Eby hasn’t had to familiarize himself with a new face in his office after deputy director of communications James Smith left for another job — he simply tapped Smith’s identical twin brother, George.

The brothers have been confusing the B.C. political scene for years and it’s a familiar post for George Smith, who previously held the same job under late former premier John Horgan, before being promoted to director of communications under both Horgan and then Eby until 2024.

James Smith left Eby’s office last month after serving as the premier’s primary point of contact with the media for almost four years, and now works as director of government relations for the University of Victoria.

David Eby's then deputy communications director James Smith points to the camera before the start of a breakfast cabinet meeting at the legislature in Victoria, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
David Eby's then deputy communications director James Smith points to the camera before the start of a breakfast cabinet meeting at the legislature in Victoria, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

George Smith is meanwhile returning to the deputy director’s role on a temporary basis, on secondment until mid-June from his current job in the provincial bureaucracy.

James Smith says he’s grateful his brother is stepping in for a short time to help train some new staff.

He says he’s been lucky enough to work with some brilliant minds and “George is one of those people,” who just “happens to be” his twin brother.

“It’s a rare sight to see identical twins working together in any workplace and especially in the halls of the legislature,” James Smith says in a statement.

“During the time George and I have worked alongside each other, we’ve confused a lot of people, staff, politicians and even some reporters, but it’s been a truly special time that I will cherish forever.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2026.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Canada

LOAD CANADA ARTICLES