British Columbia--Politics and government--1952-1972

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British Columbia--Politics and government--1952-1972

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British Columbia--Politics and government--1952-1972

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British Columbia--Politics and government--1952-1972

183 Archival description results for British Columbia--Politics and government--1952-1972

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A salute to Mr. B.C. : Lawrie Wallace

PERIOD COVERED: ;1913;-;1981 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1981-11-17 SUMMARY: Proceedings of a testimonial dinner given in honour of retired senior civil servant Lawrie Wallace at the Vancouver Club, Vancouver, B.C., 17 November 1981. Speakers include: Hon. Nathan T. Nemetz, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia; Robert Bonner, Chairman of B.C. Hydro; Denny Boyd, journalist; Jim Pattison, businessman; Herb Capozzi, businessman; Peter Webster, B.C. Sports Hall of Fame; former cabinet ministers Wesley D. Black, Alex MacDonald and Ernie Hall; David Barrett, Leader of the Opposition; James G. Matkin, Deputy Minister of Labour; Hon. William R. Bennett, Premier of British Columbia; and Lawrence J. Wallace.

Anita Tozer interview

CALL NUMBER: T2706:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Memories of growing up as the daughter of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1928-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Anita Tozer discusses her family background: the Bennett family's move to Kelowna, 1930; early memories of life in Kelowna; growing up in the Okanagan Valley during the Depression; relations with her brothers; anecdotes about W.A.C. Bennett as a father; family backgrounds of mother and father; education of the Bennett family; W.A.C. Bennett's years in Edmonton. TRACK 2: Anita Tozer discusses the background to her mother and father's marriage in Edmonton, 1927. Her parent's involvement in a religious youth group in Edmonton. Anecdote about her father teaching Chinese immigrants in Edmonton. Religion and the Bennett family. The nature of the Bennett household. Discipline and the Bennett family. Attending the University of Alberta. The education of her brothers. CALL NUMBER: T2706:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Politics and the Bennett family, 1950 - 1975 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Anita Tozer discusses her education and teaching career. Marriage to Geoffrey Tozer, 1952. Growth of family. Relationship between the Bennetts and Tozers. The Capozzis and the Bennetts. Family involvement in election campaigns. Comments on her father's political career: reactions to W.A.C. Bennett joining Social Credit and becoming Premier. TRACK 2: Anita Tozer discusses aspects of her own life as the daughter of the Premier of British Columbia. Further comments on her teaching career. Attitudes towards teaching, teachers, the B.C.T.F. and compulsory union membership. Women in politics. Her mother's role in her father's political career. The effect of the 1972 election defeat. Reaction to her brother Bill's entry into politics and attainment of the Premiership. Comments on the book she intends to write on her father's career.

Arthur Ash interview

CALL NUMBER: T4207:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Political life of Arthur Ash (part 1) RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1985-06-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Arthur Ash, a life-long Liberal, outlines his early political career in Ottawa, serving on City Council, joining the Twentieth Century Young Liberals Association, and assisting in campaign to elect Mitchell Hepburn government. Discussion of recent Ontario election. Reasons for moving to B.C. Saanich by-election 1948. 1949 general election results. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T4207:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Political life of Arthur Ash (part 2) RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1985-06-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Arthur Ash discusses the disintegration of Coalition government and success of W.A.C. Bennett. He saw W.A.C. Bennett as an opportunist. Ash and many Liberals favour governing without the Conservatives but Boss Johnson refuses. Gordon Wismer. Regrets about destruction of B.C. Liberal Party. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview]

Arthur Helps interview

CALL NUMBER: T2641:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years and personal background of Arthur Helps PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1940 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in Toronto in 1912. Early memories and family background. Family moved to Prairies, father was a missionary for the Presbyterian Church. Father went to work for Columbia Records and sold some of the first musical disc recordings in the Canadian West. Moved to B.C. in the 1920s. Early education in Regina and Vancouver. M.J. Coldwell was principal of school in Regina. Work and the Depression in Vancouver. TRACK 2: Arthur Helps' adventures at sea. Joining the militia. Harsh discipline at sea with the merchant marine. Camaraderie among crew with the British merchant marine. Adventure in the Mediterranean. Return to B.C. Efforts to secure employment in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early career of Arthur Helps PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1943 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Seeks career in the military. Early political interests -- was on the executive of the B.C. Young Liberals. Life in the militia. Ian Mackenzie as federal Minister of National Defence. Conditions in the Army. Vancouver and work in the post office. Harsh conditions of working postal routes in Vancouver. Marriage. Attempts to go into business in Vancouver. TRACK 2: Entry into Armed Forces. Life in Point Grey Armed Forces Camp. Helps' conflicts in the Armed Forces. Agitation for pay for soldiers. Helps leaves the Army, attempts to enter the R.C.A.F. but joins the Irish Fusiliers. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Genesis of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Army life with the Irish Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion. Helps attained rank of Staff Sergeant. Was denied service outside of B.C. because of physical impairment. Discharge from Army. History of the idea of Town Meeting of the Air. Vancouver's radio audience in the 1940s. Top stations were CJOR and CKWX. CBC represents a system of thought control. TRACK 2: Broadcasting in Canada was behind the times. Helps favours American institution of freedom of speech. CJOR in Vancouver. The founding of the CBC in the 1930s. Ira Dilworth as regional director of CBC. Helps meets George Denny, moderator of Town Meeting of the Air in America. Description of the administration and operation of America's Town Meeting of the Air. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Arthur Helps' political background PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: While working in the Attorney-General's department in 1945, Helps assists in forming the B.C. Government Employees Association. Idea behind the Association. Helps claims that the government was quite cooperative with the efforts to form an employee association. Helps' involvement with the Credit Union movement in B.C. Some of the early successes and failures of the Credit Union movement in B.C. TRACK 2: Arthur Helps' politics. Helps ran as a Liberal in the 1953 federal election in Vancouver-Kingsway against Angus MacInnis. He was not successful. He also ran in the provincial election of 1960 as a Liberal in Delta. Was again defeated, this time by the C.C.F. candidate. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Origins of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Origins of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada. George Denny persuades Helps to start his own show in Vancouver. The problems in getting the show on the air. Opposition of CBC; negotiations with CKWX; skeptical cooperation of CJOR. First program of its kind in Canada. Discussion of early broadcast regulations. Leon Ladner assisted in raising funds for the program. Support for the program in its early stages was widespread despite opposition from established radio interests. Helps' views on the CBC and opposition to state-controlled broadcasting. TRACK 2: Show had surprisingly high ratings right from the start. How ratings were calculated. Program was broadcast throughout the country. George Chandler, owner of CJOR, and his attitude toward the program. Early history of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada : 1943 - 1947 PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1947 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Town Meeting of the Air in Canada commenced broadcasting from CJOR in 1943. The show grew in popularity greatly during the early period, 1943-1947. It was broadcast on stations across Canada in every province except Quebec. Cooperation between the show and its American counterpart. It was the first Canadian radio program to carry western opinion eastward. At the peak of its popularity the program was broadcast by thirty radio stations in Canada. Administration and operation of the program. July 31, 1947, America's Town Meeting of the Air comes to Vancouver for a special International Broadcast. TRACK 2: The International Broadcast was aired around the world. It was broadcast from Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Furor over fact that Dorothy Steeves was one of the Canadian speakers on the program. The federal government failed to provide a speaker for the show. Pressure was applied by Ottawa to prevent Steeves from participating in the program because it was felt that she was not representative of Canadian opinion. Despite all the difficulties, the show was a huge success. The CBC never cooperated. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Achievements of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1947-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lack of CBC cooperation and its effect on the International Broadcast of Town Meeting of the Air in Vancouver. Reasons why Helps does not look with favour on the CBC. Estimated listening audience for the special program was 50 million. Process of obtaining speakers for the regular weekly Canadian programs. Recollection of special banquet for Town Meeting of the Air which was attended by a variety of public celebrities. How topics for the show were decided upon. TRACK 2: Topics purposefully avoided. Religious topics. Anecdote about Harold Winch appearing on the program. Anecdote about Colin Cameron and Harold Pritchett almost coming to blows on the show. One of the most sensational shows involved Tim Buck. Problems with the airing of that program. Opposition of the Vancouver business community. Tim Buck was disappointed and upset over how the show was run (he debated on the program with Alex MacDonald) and he subsequently "disappeared". Buck did not appear on the radio again for several months. Topics which were illegal to discuss on radio because of broadcast regulations. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): History of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1955 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Town Meeting of the Air in Canada was banned by Communist Party of Canada. Helps believes that this was because the CPC did not believe in free speech. Some of the controversial local issues which were discussed on the program. Free speech is the essence of democracy. Helps' presentation to the Massey Royal Commission on broadcasting, 1955. TRACK 2: Helps' criticism of the CBC. CBC's attitude toward Town Meeting of the Air. The CBC is anathema to freedom of broadcasting. Helps discusses the two Town Meeting of the Air programs which were censored. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Town Meeting of the Air in Canada and Social Credit in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1955 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Helps claims that his own involvement in politics did not affect his impartiality as moderator of Town Meeting of the Air. Political allegiances and personalities. Helps claims that his program greatly facilitated the election of B.C.'s first Social Credit government in 1952. Helps discusses many of the Socred personalities who became involved with Town Meeting of the Air: William Rose, Ralph Chetwynd, Eric Martin, Peer Paynter, etc. TRACK 2: Anecdote regarding W.A.C. Bennett's attainment of the leadership of the Social Credit Party. Anecdote regarding Robert Bonner's appearance on Town Meeting of the Air as a Conservative and subsequent entry into the Socred administration. After 1952, the Socreds rarely appeared on the program. Some other memorable programs. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Travelling with Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1965 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Story about broadcasting a program from Powell River. Town Meeting of the Air had a tremendous audience in Powell River. The show won an international award for the program recorded there. Helps discusses his travels throughout B.C. and Canada with Town Meeting of the Air. TRACK 2: Helps continues discussion of the history of Town Meeting of the Air as it travelled from coast to coast. Anecdotes about particular shows in St. John's, Newfoundland. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The decline of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1969-1971 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Helps explains why Town Meeting of the Air left the air in 1971. Lack of sponsorship and money matters were important factors. Helps believes that Town Meeting of the Air was going against the trends in radio broadcasting. Censorship of the program made it a difficult show to sponsor. TRACK 2: Television had superceded radio and it helped to eclipse a program like Town Meeting of the Air. CJOR, and the internal politics of the station, did not hinder the program. The achievement of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada.

Arthur Laing : testimonial dinner, 1974

RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1974-09-06 SUMMARY: Testimonial dinner for Arthur Laing in Vancouver on September 6, 1974. Speakers include the Rt. Hon. John G. Diefenbaker, Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, Hon. David Barrett, and publisher Stuart Keate.;

Ask your provincial government

SUMMARY: Recordings of "Ask Your Provincial Government" a commercial annoucement broadcast on many BC radio stations during the period April to July, 1972. The format of the commercials was a question answered by a cabinet minister.

Bennett 1966 election campaign; Bennett bonds

The items consists of film footage and outs from 1966. It shows Premier W.A.C. Bennett campaigning in August 1966 in Cranbrook, Fernie, Campbell River, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and the "instant town" of Mackenzie. There is also footage of Premier Bennett being interviewed about the bond issue to finance the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in 1966.

Bill Bennett interview : [Mitchell, 1978]

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): From the father unto the son: the political education of Bill Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Premier Bill Bennett discusses growing up in Kelowna during the 1930s. Relationship with his brother and sister. Social life and education. The Bennett household. W.A.C. Bennett as a father. The role of his mother. Religion and the Bennett family. The effect of politics on the Bennett family. Relations within the family. Recollections of the Bennett home and surrounding grounds. Education. Attending private school. The decision to enter the family business on a full-time basis. TRACK 2: Premier Bill Bennett discusses the question of when he personally attained adulthood. Visiting the Penthouse cabaret in Vancouver in the early 1950s. Young adulthood as the son of the Premier. The reasons why he did not drink alcoholic beverages as a young man. Reading habits as a boy. Reaction to his father joining the Social Credit Party, 1951. Reaction to his father becoming Premier, 1952. Working for his father during election campaigns. Taking over the family hardware business with his brother. The argumentative nature of the relationships between members of the Bennett family. Politics and public service. (End of interview)

Capt. Alexander Peabody interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Captain Alexander Peabody RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-19 SUMMARY: NOTE: Captain Alexander Peabody was President and General Manager of Puget Sound Navigation Company (operating under the trade name the Black Ball Line). Part of this service was sold to Washington State's' Toll Bridge Authority in 1951 and became the Washington State Ferry Service. Peabody retained its Canadian subsidiary, Black Ball Ferries Ltd., which was later purchased by the British Columbia government and became part of the B.C. Ferry Authority. [No content summary or documentation is available for this interview.];

CBC Saturday evening : Bruce Hutchison

SUMMARY: Bruce Hutchison, editorial director of the Vancouver Sun, and one of Canada's most distinguished newspapermen and authors, is interviewed at this Victoria home by SFU political science professor Dr. Martin Robin. They discuss politics and politicians, both federal and provincial, including: the political philosophy and Canadian prime ministers from W.L. Mackenzie King to Pierre Elliot Trudeau comments on the level of political skills in British Columbia, and the quality of political reporting in Canada; the New Left and his personal philosophy.

C.D. Orchard : [reminiscences]

CALL NUMBER: T1887:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): C.D. Orchard : forestry in British Columbia, 1920-1958 (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1893-1925 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1961 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Orchard born 1893 in Wakefield, N.B. Became a teacher in N.B. Comments on the development of forestry education. Entered forestry at UNB. In Canadian Armed Forces, 1914-19. Returned to forestry at UNB. Obtained job in BCFS in 1920. Met forester Charles S. Cowan and Chief Forester M.A. Grainger. Orchard's introduction to the Forest Branch. Early survey and cruising methods. Field work in Vernon. Working conditions in the Forest Branch. Cruise of the Kelowna watershed, 1920. Work along the Nass River, 1921. TRACK 2: More on cruising in the Nass River area, 1921022. Forest Branch work. Indians in the Nass country. Aiyansh. Comments on timber sales and forest management. Orchard put in charge of all forest surveys. Timber cruising methods. The development of forestry education. CALL NUMBER: T1887:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): C.D. Orchard : forestry in British Columbia, 1920-1958 (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1961 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1961 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: History of the B.C. Forest Branch: H.R. MacMillan, the first Chief Forester, 1912; early personnel; early forest inventories in B.C.; early organization of the Forest Service. Orchard becomes; District Forester in Cranbrook in 1924. Conditions in Cranbrook. Assistant District Forester in Nelson, 1925. Comments on Chief Forester P.Z. Caverhill. Forestry conditions in B.C., 1910-40. Early timber leases. Comments on the Fulton Commission, 1909-10. Comments on Martin A. Grainger, secretary to the commission and later Chief Forester. Letter from H.R. MacMillan about Grainger and A.W. Ross, Minister of Lands. The Nelson Forest District in the mid-1920s. TRACK 2: More on the forest district especially about forest fires. Orchard becomes District Forester in Prince George, 1927. Transportation in the Prince George district. A forester's problems: fires and accounts. Attempted political interference in the Forest Branch. Patronage in the Public Service. Conditions in Prince George. Internal Forest Branch matters. Orchard moved to Victoria office, 1930. Patronage appointments of some staff. Orchard's duties. CALL NUMBER: T1887:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): C.D. Orchard : forestry in British Columbia, 1920-1958 (part 3) PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1961 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Forest Branch finances: Forest Protection Fund and annual allotments. Changes in Forest Branch function: forest protection before 1940 and forest management afterwards. Problems of the Depression. Staff shortages. Forest Branch equipment. Fire pumps. Orchard become head of Forest Service research, 1932. More on Depression problems. Chief Forester P.Z. Caverhill dies, 1935. E.C. Manning becomes Chief Forester and Orchard Deputy Chief Forester, January 1936. Comments on Caverhill and Manning. Manning a promoter of parks. Parks turned over to Forest Branch in 1939. Parks to Recreation and Conservation in 1957. More on Manning. Manning dies in an air crash and Orchard becomes Chief Forester, 1941. Problems presented by WW II. The new job. TRACK 2: Problems of WW II. Forest industry profiteering. Labour problems. The perception of management problems in the early 1940s. The idea of sustained yield develops in the 1940s. Experiments in small log production. Role of Bob Filberg in these experiments. Political pressures on the Forest Service. Socreds susceptible to industry pressure. More on sustained yield. Orchard's memorandum on sustained yield, 1942. Private debate on forest management, 1942-43. Gordon Sloan appointed Royal Commissioner to look into forest management, 1943. The Sloan Commission. CALL NUMBER: T1887:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): C.D. Orchard : forestry in British Columbia, 1920-1958 (part 4) PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1961 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Sloan Commission hearings, 1943-45. Orchard becomes Deputy Minister of Forests, 1945. Orchard continues as Chief Forester. Problems of wartime. Sloan's report in 1945 supports sustained yield. Evolution of the Forest Management License concept. E.T. Kenney becomes Minister of Lands and Forests, 1944. Comments on Kenney. Amendments to the Forest Act, 1946 and 1947. Disagreements with J.V. Fisher, Deputy Minister of Finance. Opposition to FMLs. Problems with the license system. Negotiations for early FMLs. TRACK 2: Forest management experiences elsewhere. Orchard's faith in the forest management system. The second Sloan Commission, 1955-56. Forest Service takes returning WW II veterans. Comments on UBC Faculty of Forestry. Ranger school at Green Timbers. Construction of ranger school. Comments on Fred Mulholland. Progress in the forest industry. Integration in the forest industry and reasons for it. Post-war production trends. Defense of forest management policies. Forest Service roads. CALL NUMBER: T1887:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): C.D. Orchard : forestry in British Columbia, 1920-1958 (part 5) PERIOD COVERED: 1912-[no date] RECORDED: [location unknown], 1961 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Forestry work under the Silvicultural Fund. Fund ended in 1956. The second Sloan Commission into forestry, 1955-56. The Socred takeover, 1952. Orchard's opinions of the Socred government. The Sommers case from Orchard's point of view. Summary of the accomplishments of the Forest Service from 1912. (End of interview)

Charles Ferber interview

CALL NUMBER: T3332:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial administration of the Social Credit government, 1952-1972 (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1906-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: C.J. Ferber discusses his background, training, and work as a chartered accountant, and his entrance into the civil service as deputy comptroller-general during the Coalition years. The 1952 election, the beginning of the Social Credit era of government, and Ferber's promotion to the position of Comptroller-General. Impressions of W.A.C. Bennett, Einar Gunderson and J.V. Fisher. Duties and functions as Comptroller-General. Responsibilities and relationship within the government. Control of government expenditure. TRACK 2: Mr. Ferber discusses the issuing of special warrants for government expenditure. W.A.C. Bennett as a financial policy-maker. The comptroller-general as financial administrator. The role, function and operation of Treasury Board. Explanation of the budgetary process during the time of W.A.C. Bennett's administration. Attitudes toward deficit-financing.;

CALL NUMBER: T3332:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial administration of the Social Credit government, 1952-1972 (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: C.J. Ferber discusses the subject of deficit financing in government, debt reduction and Crown Corporations. The method which the government of W.A.C. Bennett employed to eliminate the public debt of B.C. The possible dangers for governments building up large amounts of contingent liabilities. The Social Credit policy of "Pay as you go". During Ferber's years as Comptroller-General, British Columbia's public accounts were the clearest in Canada. The difference between budgetary and non-budgetary items in public accounts. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview.];

Clarence Wallace interview

CALL NUMBER: T3333:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Education, training and military experience of Clarence Wallace PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1918 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clarence Wallace remembers his personal and family background, growing up in the West End of Vancouver, and his education. Working in his father's shipyards. History of his father's shipyards, Burrard Dry Dock. Wallace's efforts to secure the federal government approval to build a drydock in North Vancouver. TRACK 2: Further aspects of the history of Burrard Drydocks. Life in Vancouver prior to World War I. Joining the cavalry in Vancouver, military training and service overseas. Anecdote about experience on a freighter as a youngster. Military experience overseas. CALL NUMBER: T3333:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Clarence Wallace : family and business PERIOD COVERED: 1918-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clarence Wallace discusses further aspects of his military experience overseas. Return to Vancouver and work for the family business. The effect of the war on the family shipbuilding business. The Burrard Dry Dock Company through the 1920s and 1930s. The Second World War and its effect on the shipbuilding industry. Anecdote about receiving federal government shipbuilding contracts through H.R. MacMillan. TRACK 2: Shipbuilding during the Second World War. Changes in working conditions during the period of expansion of the family business. Attitudes towards organized labour. Comments on Clarence Wallace's family. Anecdote about growing up with his sons. Military experience of his sons in the Second World War. Comments on travels abroad. Personal reminiscence of Queen Elizabeth II. Wallace describes himself as a royalist. The role of the Lieutenant-Governor. CALL NUMBER: T3333:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The election of 1952 : a constitutional controversy in British Columbia PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clarence Wallace discusses the circumstances leading up to his appointment as Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, 1950. Comments on his predecessor, Charles Banks. Attitudes towards the monarchy. Anecdotes about life as Lieutenant-Governor. Impressions of politics and political figures in B.C. The 1952 election. TRACK 2: Clarence Wallace discusses the constitutional controversy which was the result of the 1952 provincial election. Explanation of why he called on W.A.C. Bennett to form the government, and the problems involved in making that decision. Swearing in British Columbia's first Social Credit government. Renovating Government House. The 1953 dissolution of the Legislature. Comments on Harold Winch. Social aspects of life as Lieutenant-Governor.

Columbia River Treaty lectures collection

  • PR-2256
  • Collection
  • 1974

The collection consists of audio recordings of thirteen talks on the topic "Perspectives on the Columbia River Treaty", presented at Simon Fraser University from January to April 1974, presumably as part of a course. The speakers include federal and provincial politicians, B.C. Hydro officials, treaty advisors and officials, and Canadian and American academics.

Correspondence and other material

  • GR-1320
  • Series
  • 1960-1973

This series contains correspondence, memoranda, and newspaper cuttings pertaining to the appointment and tenure of Lieutenant Governor the Honourable George R. Pearkes, V.C. Includes beribboned oath of allegiance and oaths of office, 13 October 1960.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Correspondence to the Leader of the Opposition

Series consists of correspondence from electors to Leader of the Opposition concerning grievances (e.g. pensions, workmen's compensation, etc.), injustices, and bureaucratic inconveniences. Files include replies and relevant correspondence from government officials. Some correspondence answered by Strachan's successor, Tom Berger.

Cyril Shelford interview : [Mitchell, 1980]

CALL NUMBER: T3683:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years, military service and introduction to politics PERIOD COVERED: 1921-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses his family background. Reasons why his father, Jack, and uncle Arthur came out to British Columbia. Description of their experiences in the Ootsa Lake region. Born 1921 at Ootsa Lake. Education was by correspondence. Recollection of former schoolteacher. Early interest in politics. His uncle's political career as a Conservative. Anecdote about joining the army in the Second World War. Being wounded in a military training accident. Recollections of service overseas. Comments on military experiences in Britain. Landing at Sicily. Travelling through Italy. Comments on wartime conditions in Italy. Christmas of 1944 in Italy and relationship with German soldiers. Travelling throughout the rest of Europe and fighting conditions as the war came to a close. TRACK 2: Comments on the conclusion of wartime hostilities. Returned home 1945. Served in occupation in Holland. General reflections on his military experiences. Anecdotes about wartime experiences shared with friend from Alberta. Comments on return to British Columbia and readjustment to civilian life. Logging at Wistaria. Family politics. Anecdotes about politics in the riding of Omineca during the post-war period. Non-partisanship in the north country. Stories about the friendly nature of politics in the early years of his public career. Attitude towards socialism. Problems related to the construction of the Alcan Lake area in opposition to building of an Alcan reservoir. Heading a delegation to Victoria to see the government about the problem. Meeting W.A.C. Bennett. Description of a meeting with Premier Johnson and the Minister of Lands, E.T. Kenney. Going to see Harold Winch. Lack of newspaper support for their cause. Meeting with Alcan officials in Vancouver. W.A.C. Bennett made an issue of the problem in the Legislature. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit and the 1952 election PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford describes attending his first Social Credit meeting in Victoria at the prompting of W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett as a public speaker. Joining Social Credit. Selling Socred memberships in Omineca. Recollection of the Social Credit nominating convention in Omineca. Anecdote about why he received the nomination. Reasons why he decided to enter politics. Recollections of the 1952 election campaign in Omineca. Anecdote about campaigning in Fort St. James. Wooing the Indian vote at Stony Creek. Reasons for Shelford's victory in the election. Voting strategy. Lack of understanding of Social Credit theory. The effect of the single transferable ballot in Omineca. Lack of contact throughout the campaign with other Social Credit candidates. Meeting at the Hotel Vancouver to choose a party leader. Shelford supported Bennett. First experience with political tactics. First Social Credit cabinet was appointed in the washroom at the Hotel Vancouver. Influence of Alberta Socreds. Shelford did not lobby for a cabinet post. Comments on the Socred team of elected MLAs. Religion and politics. Shelford heard about the cabinet being sworn in on a radio news report. Paying the price of being outspoken. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T3683:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of government during the early years of Social Credit PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford recalls being the first Canadian casualty in the Second World War. Comments on the conclusion of the problem at Ootsa Lake with the Aluminum Company of Canada. Events after the 1952 election. Comments on problems of communication between MLA and cabinet ministers. Secrecy and Cabinet appointments. Lack of instruction or orientation for new MLAs. Comments on the character of the first Social Credit government. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett bringing Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson into the government. General comments on government. Discussion of goals during the early years of government service. Shelford as environmentalist. W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. TRACK 2: Cyril Shelford discusses the Social Credit caucus system. The possibility of a caucus revolt. The influence of caucus on legislation. Story about Phil Gaglardi coming up to Shelford's riding to look into possible construction of a new highway. Recollection of Phil Gaglardi. Shelford's fight for equalization of gas prices in the province. The appointment of a Royal Commission to look into the question. Shelford as critic of the government's agriculture policy during the early years. Service on the agriculture committee of the Legislature. Advocating the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. The agriculture committee never sat again until Shelford became Minister of Agriculture in 1968. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Sommers affair and other aspects of B.C. politics PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses reaction to Bonner and Gunderson becoming cabinet ministers in the Social Credit government, 1952. W.A.C. Bennett's reputation as a financial genius. The possibility of the Premier entering federal politics. Recollection of Tom Uphill. Comments on "pairing" in the Legislative Assembly with opposition members. Recollection of the Sommers affair. Shelford was concerned that the Sommers case be cleared up at an early date. Disappointed with the performance of Sommers legal counsel, Angelo Branca. Meeting with Mel Bryan before he crossed the floor of the House. Criticism of the forest management licence system. Gordon Gibson Sr.'s role. Comments on the possibility of Robert Sommers' guilt. Sommers as cabinet minister. Campaign funds had been confused with Sommers personal affairs. The death of Hec Munro. Comments on letters Shelford wrote to the Premier on the subject of the Sommers Affair. Reasons why the Premier seemed to delay in appointing an inquiry into the matter. Effect of the case on the Sommers family. TRACK 2: Comments on Bonner's handling of the Sommers affair as Attorney-General. Reaction to Shelford's support of an Opposition vote of non-confidence in Bonner. Further comments on the Sommers affair. Comments on discipline among government members during the Sommers case. Attitude towards Gaglardi when he was accused of wrongdoing as Minister of the Crown. Gaglardi as a potential successor to lead the Social Credit Party. Gaglardi's popularity among party members. Shelford conducted an informal survey of public opinion in B.C. for the Premier prior to the 1969 election. W.A.C. Bennett indicated that he intended to resign after the 1969 election but stayed on in order to prevent the possibility of Gaglardi succeeding him as leader. Shelford's comments at the 1959 Socred convention and warning of undesirable changes in the party. Criticism of how election campaign funds were handled. Social Credit as a "party" or "movement". CALL NUMBER: T3683:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Agriculture, 1968-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses his personal political philosophy. Polarization in B.C. politics. Comments on varying philosophical viewpoints within the Social Credit Party. Reasons for the lack of a party revolt over the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company, 1961. Ken Kiernan and Ray Williston were called "the twins". Reactions to Shelford's outspokenness on aspects of government policy. Attempts to find another candidate in Shelford's riding. W.A.C. Bennett was not a one-man-government. Decision-making in government. Examples of effective and ineffective decision-makers in Bennett's cabinet. The Premier was good at delegating authority. Means of subsidization for the meagre salary of an MLA. "A politician without a cause is a lost cause." Criticism of Bennett's stringency with MLAs' salaries and expenses. Representing a rural riding as opposed to an urban one. Comments on Shelford' various threats to quit the Socred Party or cross the floor of the House. Comments on his coverage in the press. Anecdote about comments made by Walter Owen before sessions of the Morrow Commission. TRACK 2: Overtures were often made to Shelford to join other political parties. Shelford did not consciously cultivate the role of maverick. B.C.'s population too centralized in Vancouver. Shelford as the conscience of the Socreds. The Premier always kept open a vacancy in the cabinet to keep backbench MLAs in line. Access to Bennett was quite easy. Shelford feels that Bennett secretly liked the criticism he offered of government policy. Reaction to his appointment as Minister of Agriculture, 1968. Shelford was very well-known throughout the province. The process and effect of becoming a cabinet minister. Relationship with his staff and duties as Minister of Agriculture. Formulation of policy. The value of a good secretary (Lydia Clark). Policy initiatives as Min. of Agriculture. Relations with the federal government. The importance of encouraging a strong agricultural industry in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Injuries suffered at labour protest, New Westminster, 1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford explains why agriculture was not a high priority in the government of W.A.C. Bennett. The process of Treasury Board and the experience of appearing before it as a Minister of the Crown. Comparison between Treasury Board under the governments of W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. Comments on ways that Shelford made up for the detachment from reality that a cabinet minister suffers from. Recollection of the 1972 cabinet tour which culminated in a violent encounter with angry demonstrators in New Westminster. Demonstration was organized by the B.C. Federation of Labour. Several cabinet ministers received bruises. Shelford was hit with a 2 X 4 and received an injury to his arm and a broken collarbone. The concept of a travelling cabinet tour. The B.C. Federation of Labour as a political group. Suggestions that W.A.C. Bennett call an election after the incident at New Westminster. The charged political climate in B.C. that preceded the provincial election in 1972. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1972 provincial election and its aftermath PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1979 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses the reasons for the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. W.A.C. Bennett wanted to step down after the 1969 election. The ban on tobacco and alcohol advertising. Development and industrialization brought about increased unionism which ultimately defeated the government. Comments on the differences between the 1972 election and previous campaigns. The role of Dave Barrett. Evaluation of different Leaders of the Opposition: Harold Winch, Arnold Webster, Robert Strachan, Tom Berger and Dave Barrett. The effect of Gaglardi's mistakes during the 1972 election. Differences between campaigning as a cabinet minister and a private member. The Conservatives as a factor in the 1972 election. Reasons for Shelford's personal defeat in Omineca. The NDP MLAs as "glorified ombudsmen" dealing with only small issues of a local nature. W.A.C. Bennett had an ability to make his ministers look ahead. Recollection of election night in 1972. Reaction to the defeat of the government. Account of events following the election. Problems for Socreds in obtaining employment after the election. Serving as village clerk at Fort St. James. TRACK 2: Comments on efforts to establish a "unity" party after the 1972 election. W.A.C. Bennett's role in B.C. politics after 1972. Reasons why the "Majority Movement" was not successful. Attitudes to Bill Bennett prior to his election as Premier. Reasons why Shelford decided to run again. Efforts by Grace McCarthy to nominate an alternate candidate in Skeena in 1975. Recollection of the nomination struggle in Skeena. Criticism of the NDP administration, 1972-75. Shelford disappointed he was not appointed to cabinet after the 1975 election. Comments on the government of Bill Bennett. Brought into the cabinet prior to the election of 1979. Reasons why politics in B.C. has degenerated. General reflections on politics. (End of interview)

Cyril Shelford roast, Terrace, B.C., Saturday, March 1, 1980

CALL NUMBER: T3711:0001 RECORDED: Terrace (B.C.), 1980-03-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Recording of the Cyril Shelford Roast held at Terrace, B.C., 01-Mar-1980. Art Wiebe, master of ceremonies. Letters from Stan Carnell and Paddy Sherman are read. Tom Waterland. Bill King. TRACK 2: Bill King. Pat Jordan. Letters from Premier Bill Bennett and "some of the old-timers" at the Ministry of Agriculture are read. Alex Fraser. Art Wiebe.

CALL NUMBER: T3711:0002 RECORDED: Terrace (B.C.), 1980-03-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Art Wiebe. Recording of Cyril Shelford nominating Ray Williston for the 1960 provincial election. Ray Williston. Art Wiebe sings "The Cyril Shelford Song", composed by Bill Vander Zalm. TRACK 2: Presentation by Edna Cooper. Bob Cooper. Ray Williston (cont'd). Telegram from Gordon Gibson Sr. is read. Tape of Jack Webster tribute to Cyril Shelford.

CALL NUMBER: T3711:0003 RECORDED: Terrace (B.C.), 1980-03-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Henry Bazowski [?]. Cyril Shelford responds to roasters and toasters. TRACK 2: Cyril Shelford (cont'd). Closing of festivities.

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