Politics - Premiers - Richard McBride

Richard McBride

Placeholder image

Richard McBride was the Premier of British Columbia, Canada from 1903 to 1915. He was a member of the Conservative Party and is known for his efforts to promote the development of natural resources in the province, including hydroelectric power and the mining industry. During his tenure as Premier, he also introduced a number of social and labor reforms, including the creation of a minimum wage and the establishment of the Workers' Compensation Board. McBride died in 1917 at the age of 50.

As Premier of British Columbia, Richard McBride faced a number of issues during his tenure. Some of the key issues he dealt with included:

  • Economic development: McBride was a strong advocate for the development of natural resources in the province, including hydroelectric power and the mining industry. He believed that these industries were key to the province's economic growth and prosperity.
  • Labor relations: McBride introduced a number of reforms to improve working conditions in the province, including the establishment of the Workers' Compensation Board and the introduction of a minimum wage.
  • Relations with First Nations: During his time in office, McBride worked to improve relations with First Nations in the province, including negotiating treaties and supporting the development of reserves.
  • Political corruption: McBride's government was plagued by allegations of corruption, which led to his defeat in the 1915 provincial election.
  • Relations with other provinces and the federal government: As Premier, McBride also had to navigate the complex political landscape of Canada and work to advance the interests of his province within the broader context of the country.
Some key events that took place during Richard McBride's tenure as Premier of British Columbia:
  • Completion of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway: In 1913, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway was completed, linking British Columbia to the rest of Canada by rail. This was a major accomplishment for McBride and his government, as it helped to boost the province's economy and improve transportation links.
  • Construction of the Peace River Hydroelectric Project: In 1913, the Peace River Hydroelectric Project was approved by the provincial government. This project involved the construction of a dam and hydroelectric power plant on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia, and was seen as a key part of the province's economic development.
  • The "Kootenay Scandal": In 1913, the provincial government was embroiled in a scandal involving the sale of Crown land in the Kootenay region to American interests. This controversy damaged the reputation of the government and contributed to McBride's defeat in the 1915 provincial election.
  • The "Asiatic Exclusion League Riots": In 1907, a group of white supremacists known as the Asiatic Exclusion League held a series of violent protests in Vancouver, targeting Chinese immigrants. McBride's government was criticized for its handling of the riots, which left several people injured and caused significant damage to property.
  • The 1913 Provincial Election: In 1913, McBride's Conservative Party was re-elected with a reduced majority, defeating the Liberal Party. This was the last time that the Conservatives would hold power in British Columbia until the 1950s.

Timeline

This article will be posted shortly. British Columbiahistory.com is a visitor supported web site. Thank you for your feedback - it is appreciated.

Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2023

i

History & Heritage

Tel: 1 604 833-9488

Email: info@canadahistorysociety.ca

Access History creates and posts content, articles, and subject matter relating to history and heritage
Copyright 2025 to Access history. All rights reserved and images and logos are created and presented for the general use of the public and educational institutions All content is the responsibility of Access.
Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Access terms and conditions
Placeholder image

All content and images are protected by copyright to Access History