Bill Pritchard Interview: Socialist, politician
William Arthur (Bill) Pritchard (1888-1981) was a major figure in BC labour and politics. Born in England, Pritchard came to BC at the age of 23. He edited and wrote for The Western Clarion and was active in the Socialist Party of Canada. While observing the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, Pritchard was arrested with six other strike leaders, put on trial and convicted of seditious conspiracy. Later he was elected reeve (mayor) of Burnaby and played an instrumental role in founding the CCF (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation).
The interview was conducted in the 1960s by the BC Federation of Labour in anticipation of the publication of No Power Greater: A Century of Labour in BC (1967). Interviewers were author Paul Phillips and UBC student Bill Piket. The original tapes were digitized by the BC Labour Heritage Centre in 2024.
Bill Pritchard, City of Burnaby Archives
In this interview Bill Pritchard discusses the connection between the One Big Union (OBU) and the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) in Canada. He explains that while there were some overlapping members, the two organizations were largely distinct. Pritchard also discusses his own involvement in the socialist movement, including his split from the Socialist Party over its affiliation with the Communist Party, and his subsequent involvement with the CCF.
Pritchard explained his involvement, including being jailed, for his role in the Winnipeg General Strike, and his subsequent activities with the loggers’ union.