British Columbia - Politics - NDP

CCF/NDP

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The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and its successor, the New Democratic Party (NDP), have a long and storied history as a provincial party in British Columbia. From its early roots as a small group of dedicated socialists to its current position as a major political force in the province, the NDP has played a key role in shaping the political and social landscape of British Columbia.

The CCF was first formed in Calgary in 1933, with the aim of promoting democratic socialism and advocating for the working class. The party quickly gained support in British Columbia, where its message of social and economic justice resonated with many residents who were struggling during the Great Depression. In 1934, the CCF won its first seat in the BC Legislature in a by-election in the riding of Burnaby. Over the next few years, the CCF continued to build support and gain momentum in the province.

In 1941, the CCF won its first provincial election in British Columbia, forming a minority government under Premier Harold Winch. Although the CCF's time in government was short-lived, lasting only a year, it laid the groundwork for future electoral successes. In the years that followed, the CCF continued to advocate for policies such as public ownership of key industries, universal healthcare, and social justice, and it gained a reputation as a progressive and socially conscious party.

In 1952, the CCF changed its name to the "New Democratic Party" (NDP), in order to broaden its appeal to voters and move away from the stigma associated with the term "socialist." The NDP continued to build on the CCF's legacy of social and economic justice, and it quickly became a major political force in British Columbia.

In 1972, the NDP won its first election in BC, forming a majority government under Premier Dave Barrett. This was a landmark moment for the party, which had spent decades in the political wilderness. During its time in government, the NDP implemented a number of progressive policies, including the establishment of the Agricultural Land Reserve, which protected farmland from development, and the creation of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, which provided affordable car insurance to residents.

The NDP's time in government was short-lived, however, as it was defeated in a provincial election by the Social Credit Party in 1975. Over the next several decades, the NDP remained a strong presence in BC politics, but it struggled to win elections and form government. It faced internal divisions and leadership struggles, and it was often overshadowed by the BC Liberal Party, which became the dominant political force in the province in the 1990s.

In 1991, the NDP won another election in BC, forming a majority government under Premier Mike Harcourt. The party's time in government was marked by a number of achievements, including the creation of the Agricultural Land Commission, which strengthened protections for farmland, and the establishment of the Fraser Basin Council, which worked to promote sustainable development in the region.

However, the NDP's time in government was also marked by controversy, including a scandal involving the party's fast ferry program, which was plagued by cost overruns and delays. The party was ultimately defeated in a provincial election in 2001 by the BC Liberal Party, which formed a majority government under Premier Gordon Campbell.

In the years that followed, the NDP continued to struggle to win elections in BC. It faced challenges such as changing demographics, shifting political priorities, and internal divisions. However, the party remained a strong voice for progressive policies and social justice in the province, and it continued to work to improve the lives of working people and marginalized communities.

In 2017, the NDP won another election in BC, forming a minority government under Premier John Horgan with the support of the Green Party.

Throughout its history as a provincial party in British Columbia, the CCF/NDP has played a significant role in shaping the province's policies and social programs. The party has been a strong advocate for workers and the disadvantaged, and it has pushed for policies that promote social and economic justice. Despite facing challenges over the years, the NDP has remained a prominent force in BC politics, and it will likely continue to have a significant impact on the province's future.

Timeline

  • 1933: The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) is founded in Calgary, Alberta as a democratic socialist political party.
  • 1934: The CCF wins its first seat in the British Columbia Legislature in a by-election in the riding of Burnaby.
  • 1941: The CCF wins its first provincial election in British Columbia, forming a minority government under Premier Harold Winch.
  • 1952: The CCF changes its name to the New Democratic Party (NDP) in order to broaden its appeal to voters.
  • 1972: The NDP wins its first provincial election in British Columbia, forming a majority government under Premier Dave Barrett.
  • 1975: The NDP is defeated in a provincial election by the Social Credit Party.
  • 1986: The NDP is defeated in a provincial election by the Social Credit Party.
  • 1991: The NDP wins another provincial election in British Columbia, forming a majority government under Premier Mike Harcourt.
  • 1999: The NDP is defeated in a provincial election by the BC Liberal Party.
  • 2000: NDP Premier Glen Clark resigns and is succeeded by Ujjal Dosanjh.
  • 2001: The NDP is defeated in a provincial election by the BC Liberal Party, which forms a majority government under Premier Gordon Campbell.
  • 2003: Carole James is elected as leader of the NDP in British Columbia.
  • 2005: The NDP wins more seats in the provincial election than the previous one, but the BC Liberal Party forms a majority government.
  • 2009: The NDP is defeated in a provincial election by the BC Liberal Party.
  • 2011: Adrian Dix is elected as leader of the NDP in British Columbia.
  • 2013: The NDP is defeated in a provincial election by the BC Liberal Party.
  • 2017: The NDP wins another provincial election in British Columbia, forming a minority government under Premier John Horgan with the support of the Green Party.
  • 2020: The NDP wins a snap election called by Premier John Horgan and forms a majority government.

Party Leaders

Party leader Tenure
Robert Connell 1933–1936
Harold Edward Winch 1937–1953
Arnold Webster 1953–1956
Robert Strachan 1956–1961
Robert Strachan 1961–1969
Thomas R. Berger 1969–1970
Dave Barrett 1970–1984
Bob Skelly 1984–1987
Mike Harcourt 1987–1996
Glen Clark 1996–1999
Dan Miller 1999–2000
Ujjal Dosanjh 2000–2001
Joy MacPhail 2001–2003
Carole James 2003–2011
Dawn Black 2011
Adrian Dix 2011–2014
John Horgan 2014–2022
David Eby Since 2022

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Reference: Article by (Staff Historian), 2023

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