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

By The Canadian Press

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

Apr 2, 2026 | 1:28 PM

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.

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.

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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.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press