The Backstory Timeline: Labour and Politics 1961-1991

Cooperative Commonwealth Federation nearly wiped out federally, winning only 8 seats (4 in BC). Canadian Labour Congress invites the CCF to help form a new, broader-based party; CCF agrees. Three years of discussions follow.

Despite close cooperation between the BC CCF and BC Federation of Labour, Social Credit wins another provincial election; W.A.C. Bennett, first elected in 1952, remains premier.

The New Democratic Party is founded at a national convention in Ottawa, with direct union affiliation and formal labour participation.

Vancouver convention called to found the BC NDP. Premier W.A.C. Bennett recalls the legislature on the same date to prevent CCF MLAs from attending. BC NDP founded regardless. CCF leader Bob Strachan becomes the first BC NDP leader.

In a sustained media attack, Social Credit portray the new party as “dominated by gangster unions.”

Social Credit wins the next two provincial elections; 1963 and 1966. W.A.C. Bennett remains premier.

Leadership race to replace Bob Strachan sees Tom Berger, backed strongly by labour, narrowly defeat Dave Barrett. Internal tensions become known as the “Berger/Barrett split.”

In a snap provincial election, the NDP suffers a major defeat to the Social Credit Party. Berger loses his own seat and resigns shortly after.

Dave Barrett elected NDP leader. Begins distancing the party from labour to inoculate against inflammatory Social Credit messaging.

Despite media focus on an “NDP–labour split,” unions continue supporting the party. NDP platform includes a commitment to the right to informational picketing..

Provincial election called. W.A.C. Bennett warns that “the socialist hordes are at the gate.” With strong labour backing, the NDP wins a majority; Dave Barrett becomes premier.

Many highly successful initiatives: creation of ICBC, Agricultural Land Reserve, provincial ambulance service, community colleges, others.

New Labour Code introduced. Innovations include banning injunctions in labour disputes. It does not permit informational picketing; instead it introduces a process for first-contract arbitration through the Labour Relations Board. Controversial among unions. Three NDP MLAs vote against the relevant sections.

NDP government introduces Bill 146 to end strikes by several unions. Three NDP MLAs vote against parts of the bill.

Premier Barrett calls a snap election; NDP loses to Social Credit. Bill Bennett (son of W.A.C. Bennett) becomes premier.

Broad consensus emerges that labour–NDP relations need repair. After two more unsuccessful campaigns (1979, 1983), Dave Barrett steps down as leader.

Bob Skelly elected NDP leader after a difficult three-way race that revives the old “Berger/Barrett” divisions.

Bill Bennett’s unpopular austerity measures bring him down as Social Credit leader. Bill Vander Zalm wins the leadership, and the 1986 election. Skelly resigns.

Mike Harcourt elected NDP leader with support across party factions and a long history of working with labour.

NDP wins provincial election; Mike Harcourt becomes premier.  Reforms to the labour code ban strikebreaking and implement other pro-labour changes.