‘He changed the province’: BC remembers former premier Dave Barrett

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – Former British Columbia premier Dave Barrett has died at the age of 87.

A statement from Premier John Horgan’s office says the former NDP premier died in Victoria today after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Today, BC has lost a giant, former premier Dave Barrett,” Horgan said in a statement. “His visionary leadership and unflinching commitment to the well-being of ordinary people around the province led to lasting change that shaped our province for the better.”

Barrett was first elected to the BC legislature in 1960. The former social worker from Vancouver became known as the champion of the little guy.

He was elected eight times as a provincial member of the legislature.

He was also elected as a federal New Democrat MP in 1988 in the former Victoria-area riding of Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca.

Barrett made political history when his left leaning New Democrats defeated the five-term Social Credit juggernaut governments of W.A.C. Bennett in 1972.

He was BC’s first NDP premier and his three-year government from 1972 to 1975 was short-lived but enduring for its political accomplishments.

‘An inspiring message right to the end’: remembering Barrett

Professor of Social Policy Michael Prince at the University of Victoria says Barrett was a man who led major contributions.

“This is a man who brought the first NDP government in power in this province, brought an end to the social credit dynasty of WAC Bennett,” he explains. “But when I think of him now, I think of the passion he brought to politics, a real sense of commitment to public service. And even years later — long after he’d left both as premier, MLA… he continued to believe in the importance of democratic politics, citizen engagement.”

Prince says he was always continued to believe in the value of public service and the importance of keeping people engaged. “I think he was an inspiring message right to the end.”

He believes Barrett’s legacy serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished when you’re only in power for three years. “Perhaps it’s a reminder too for the current premier that you can’t take for granted that you’ll be here for a long time, and you ought to make every day count and to really try to tackle what you regard are the most critical issues.

“Dave Barrett was a tremendous politician in a grand tradition of populism, and of popular leaders in this province,” he added. “He stood out, he’s going to be one of the most memorable premiers in the history of this province, no doubt about it.”

Joy MacPhail, who currently chairs the ICBC board, says Barrett was the first politician she met when she moved to BC from Ontario in 1981.

“From then on, he and Shirley spent many times at our kitchen table,” she tells NEWS 1130. “He was full of life. He was generous in his advice. He was an icon and he changed the province.”

She was a close friend of Barretts, and says she will miss him dearly. “Makes me as sad as I could possibly imagine. My heart goes out to Shirley and Dave’s three kids and all of their families. Uh, and Dave prided himself in being a public servant and making sure that there was justice for everybody in BC.”

Former MLA John Parks says Barrett will be remembered as a very nice person.

“As a premier, I don’t have a lot of recollection, I was quite frankly too young,” he explains. “But I do remember that as our first NDP government, he did try to do a number of things that just weren’t fiscally possible.”

Parks recalls a historic moment in the 80s when he served as Speaker of the Legislative assembly, when he asked that Barrett be removed from chambers following an exchange.

“In fact it set somewhat of a parliamentary precedent. No one had ever been dragged out of the legislature before, but Dave refused to do a thing that all other legislatures do when they’re cited is get up and leave.”

He also believes Barrett will be remembered for his service to the province, as well as his “very quick wit.”

Read John Horgan’s full statement below

“Today, B.C. has lost a giant, former premier Dave Barrett.

“His visionary leadership and unflinching commitment to the well-being of ordinary people around the province led to lasting change that shaped our province for the better.

“In just one short term, his government delivered our first modern ambulance service, the Agricultural Land Reserve and public auto insurance. We are all better off, thanks to his tireless work and immeasurable contributions to public life.

“His sense of humour and ability to command a room with his oratory was legendary. First and foremost, I will always remember his commitment to working for regular people.

“He was an inspiration to me and many other British Columbians, and I am grateful for his friendship and guidance over the years. His legacy will live on in our hearts.

“Ellie and I extend our sincere condolences to the entire Barrett family at this difficult time.”