Celebration planned for 40th anniversary of election of Dave Barrett government
One of the most transformative elections in B.C. history took place in 1972, when Dave Barrett became the province's first NDP premier.
Now, some holdovers from his government will hold a 40th anniversary celebration at 1 p.m. on the B.C. Day holiday (August 6) at Barrett's View Lookout on the road to Cypress Provincial Park.
The park and the holiday were both created by the Barrett government, which was elected on August 30, 1972.
The NDP's share of the popular vote rose by 5.67 percent between the 1969 and 1972 elections, but that was enough for an extra 26 seats in the legislature.
The NDP's 39.6 percent share of the popular vote in 1972 was actually lower than its percentages in the 2005 and 2009 elections under the leadership of Carole James.
The West Vancouver–Capilano NDP constitutency executive has invited several speakers, including the most influential cabinet minister of that era, former Vancouver East MLA Bob Williams, and former MLA Harold Steves. Steves voted against his government's decision to legislate ferry employees back to work.
The Barrett government created ICBC, the Agricultural Land Reserve, and a consumer-affairs ministry, and banned corporal punishment in schools.
The event is free and open to anyone interested in attending.
Comments
7 Comments
edoherty
Jul 30, 2012 at 12:51pm
The Barrett government also responded to the freeway revolt, and proposed a network of modern light rail lines around the region on the old Interurban routes and other existing tracks.
I think Barrett even brought in a modern light rail car as a demonstration, anyone have a photo? If so, please scan and post on the internet.
Rob Roy
Jul 30, 2012 at 12:59pm
It might be added that the Barrett government also:
-- created the BC Ambulance Service
-- saved the Princess Marguerite and Royal Hudson for the tourist industry
-- introduced Hansard and Question Period to the Legislature
-- created a Department of Housing, and built thousands of units across BC
-- established the Coordinated Law Enforcement Unit, the first-ever attack on white collar, Howe Street crime
-- created the first-ever BC Alcohol and Drug Commission
-- restored and upgraded the Parliament Buildings, giving them another 50 years life
-- built the first super-ferry, the Q of Alberni, dedicated to truck traffic
-- established a province-wide system of community/regional colleges
-- revamped the Labour Relations Act, and the Workers' Compensation Board
And more. And all of this in just over three years.
History looks well on the Barrett government. It was perhaps the most progressive, bold, and imaginative we have ever known.
It is only right to honour David Barrett. His courage and humour and leadership honoured us, forty years ago.
John Fryer
Jul 30, 2012 at 6:17pm
Sure wish that we were having a celebration of Dave's great victory here in the provincial capital-Victoria
Karen Oland
Jul 30, 2012 at 7:38pm
WIll you also be celebrating Dave's defeat?
hg
Jul 31, 2012 at 9:23am
He is a true champion of BC, a great visionary and communicator.
hg
Don McBain
Jul 31, 2012 at 4:00pm
I am president of West Vancouver-Capilano NDP constituency association, I want to thank those people that have commented positively and posted all the other great accomplisments of the Barrett government. I hope some of you can attend the event at "Barrett's View" lookout on the 6'th.
D.Gledhill
Aug 5, 2012 at 6:20pm
Wish I could attend Celebration planned for 40th anniversary of election of Dave Barrett government...
Times sure seemed happier back in those days with BC gov....
Dave had a great way of talking with people...