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
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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