The Social Credit party of British Columbia was a populist political movement that emerged in the early 20th century, founded on the ideas of monetary reform and economic democracy. The party was initially formed in Alberta in 1935 by William Aberhart, and it quickly spread to British Columbia, where it gained significant support.

The Social Credit movement in British Columbia was led by W.A.C. Bennett, who served as the party's leader from 1952 to 1972, and as Premier of the province from 1952 to 1972. Bennett was a charismatic and populist leader who was able to connect with the working-class and middle-class voters of the province, and he led the party to an unprecedented five consecutive election victories.

The origins of Social Credit in British Columbia can be traced back to the Great Depression of the 1930s, when the province was hit hard by the economic downturn. Many British Columbians were deeply frustrated with the existing political parties and their inability to address the economic crisis. In this context, Social Credit offered a new vision for economic and political change.

The party's platform was based on the ideas of monetary reform, which held that the government should take control of the money supply and issue interest-free credit to finance public works and infrastructure projects. The party also advocated for the nationalization of key industries, such as electricity and transportation, and for the introduction of a guaranteed minimum income.

In the 1940s, Social Credit gained a foothold in British Columbia politics, and in 1952, W.A.C. Bennett became the party's leader. Bennett was a former hardware store owner from Kelowna, who was able to connect with the people of British Columbia through his folksy charm and plain-speaking style. He promised to put the interests of the people first, and to use the power of government to improve their lives.

Under Bennett's leadership, the Social Credit party won the 1952 provincial election in a landslide, and Bennett became the Premier of British Columbia. He quickly set to work implementing his party's platform, introducing a range of reforms and initiatives that transformed the province's economy and social landscape.

One of Bennett's key initiatives was the construction of the province's highway system, which he saw as a crucial way to open up the province and connect its people. He also introduced a range of social welfare programs, including public healthcare, public education, and a range of other public services.

Bennett was re-elected four more times, and during his tenure as Premier, he became one of the most powerful and influential political figures in the province's history. He was known for his tough, no-nonsense approach to politics, and for his willingness to take on powerful interests in order to achieve his goals.

However, by the late 1960s, the Social Credit party was beginning to lose its appeal. Bennett's authoritarian style had alienated many voters, and the party's policies were seen as increasingly out of touch with the changing times. In 1972, the party was defeated by the New Democratic Party in a stunning upset, and Bennett retired from politics.

Despite this setback, the Social Credit party remained a significant force in British Columbia politics for many years, and its legacy can still be seen in the province's social and economic institutions.

Bill Vander Zalm was a prominent member of the Social Credit party in British Columbia and served as Premier of the province from 1986 to 1991. His actions did contribute to a decline in its popularity and reputation.

Vander Zalm was known for his controversial policies and divisive leadership style. One of his most contentious policies was the introduction of a 7% sales tax on goods and services, which was deeply unpopular with many British Columbians. The tax led to protests and demonstrations, and many voters began to see Vander Zalm and the Social Credit party as out of touch with their needs and concerns.

Vander Zalm was also embroiled in a number of personal scandals and controversies during his time as Premier, including conflicts of interest related to his family's business dealings and his decision to award government contracts to friends and associates.

These scandals eroded public trust in Vander Zalm and the Social Credit party, and contributed to the party's defeat in the 1991 provincial election. The party was reduced to just seven seats in the legislature, and its support continued to decline in subsequent years.

While Vander Zalm's actions did not single-handedly lead to the downfall of the Social Credit party, they did play a significant role in the party's decline in popularity and eventual defeat. The controversies surrounding Vander Zalm and his leadership style ultimately undermined the party's credibility and contributed to a loss of public support.

Today, the party is no longer active, but it remains an important part of the province's political history, and a symbol of the power of populist movements to effect change.