British Columbia's Premiers in Profile: The Good, the Bad and the Transient

Paul G. Thomas is the Duff Roblin Professor of Government at the
University of Manitoba, the author of Parliamentary Reform Through
Political Parties, and the co-author of Canadian Public Administration:
Problematical Perspectives.

Some wit once observed that political looniness seems to grow the
further west one goes in Canada. Certainly from a distance the politics
of British Columbia appear carnival-like to many Canadians. William
Rayner, a semi-retired journalist who spent 40 years covering B.C.
politics, provides an entertaining and informative portrait of the 31
individuals who have been premiers of the province since it was created
in 1871.

The early years were characterized by instability, with 14 premiers
leading government during the first 32 years of the province’s
existence. Death, resignation, expulsion by the lieutenant-governor (two
cases), and, most importantly, electoral defeat caused frequent
turnovers in the premier’s office. During these years, the province
lacked a stable party system so personal ambition overrode loyalty to
one’s party. According to Rayner, only two of the first 14 premiers
had a positive impact.

During the subsequent 96 years up to 1999, there were just 17 more
premiers. Longer-term governments reflected the rise of party discipline
and the growing concentration of power in the hands of the premier and
his political staff. Postwar politics in British Columbia became more
predictable in terms of control of power, but it remained colorful, even
bizarre at times.

With 31 premiers to be assessed, each individual is discussed in about
five or six pages. The author ranks the 31 premiers on a 100-point
scale, with the top score (79 percent) being assigned to W.A.C. Bennett
(1975–86) and the lowest score (30 percent) being assigned to Glen
Clark (1996–99). Having been a close observer for so long, Rayner
developed a rather negative view of the people who became premier:
“When many Premiers discover what a rush it is to control the destiny
of others, altruism is replaced by patronage and cynical
manipulation.” An easygoing style, wonderful black-and-white
photographs, and some interesting tables of facts contribute to making
this book an enjoyable read. The volume is recommended for anyone who
wants an introduction to the colorful people who have run one of
Canada’s most colorful provinces.