RECORDED: Williams Lake (B.C.), [197-?] SUMMARY: [No documentation is available for this tape.];

The item consists of 12 audio recordings of interviews with Robert Bonner in 1980.
T0244:0005 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses his personal and family background. Recollections of growing up and going to school in Vancouver during the 1920s and 1930s. Important influences during his early years. The effect of growing up during the Depression. Early interest in politics. Criticism of socialists. Recollection of political action during his days at UBC. Work experience during his student days. Comments on his ambition to be a lawyer from an early age. Undergraduate experience at UBC.
T0244:0005 track 2: Robert Bonner recounts his reaction to the outbreak of WWII. Training as an officer with the Seaforth Highlanders. Discussion of his service overseas. Being wounded during the invasion of Italy and convalescence in England. Return to Canada and assumption of the duties of Training Officer with the Canadian Officers' Training Corps at UBC. The importance of his military training and experiences. Entry into law school at UBC. Comments on legal training. Memories of UBC law school. Graduation from law school in 1948 and work for a legal firm in Vancouver. Interest in Conservative politics. More interested in federal than provincial politics. Along with other young Tories, advocated the break-up of Coalition in B.C. General comments on the Coalition government and its decline.

T0244:0006 track 1: Robert Bonner recalls nominating W.A.C. Bennett for provincial leadership of the Conservative Party, 1950. Reasons for supporting W.A.C. Bennett in his challenge to Herbert Anscomb's leadership of the party. Further recollections of W.A.C. Bennett: crossing the floor of the House; joining Social Credit. Recollections of the 1952 election in B.C. and reactions to its outcome. The effect of the single transferable ballot. Meeting with W.A.C. Bennett after he assumed the leadership of the Social Credit Party and being offered the position of Attorney General in his prospective administration. Considerations taken into account when making his decision to accept Bennett's offer. The possibility of Gordon Wismer becoming Attorney General. Reaction to the outcome of the 1952 election in legal circles. T0244:0006 track 2: Robert Bonner comments on W.A.C. Bennett's self-confidence. Events surrounding the Social Credit Party being called upon by the Lieutenant Governor to form a government in 1952. W.A.C. Bennett's influence on Bonner's way of approaching problems. Comments on becoming Attorney General. Anecdote about John Diefenbaker's remarks shortly after Bonner became Attorney General. Recollection of his early Socred colleagues. Relations with the civil service. The 1952 election as an experiment in democracy. Comments on Social Credit. Election to the Legislature in the Columbia by-election, 1952. Comments on the by-election campaign. The importance of the by-election to the survival of the government. General comments on the first Social Credit administration.

T0244:0007 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses aspects of the early years of the first Social Credit government in B.C. Relations between the Alberta Social Credit government and Social Credit in B.C. Meeting between members of the Alberta Social Credit government and the new B.C. government in Edmonton, 1952. Political philosophy and political action. Comments on the philosophy of the first Social Credit government. Reflections on B.C. during the 1950s. Reasons for the development of B.C. by the Social Credit government. Comments on planning. Policy development. Recollections of the legislative session of 1953 and the planned self-defeat of the government. Bonner's reply to the Speech from the Throne. The defeat of the government over the Rolston Formula. Recollections of the provincial election of 1953. Bonner's campaign in the multiple-member of Point Grey.
T0244:0007 track 2: Further comments on the Point Grey constituency and the provincial election campaign of 1953. Comments on campaigning. The role of a parliamentary opposition. Evaluation of Harold Winch as Leader of the Opposition. The defeat of Einar Gunderson in the 1953 election and its effect upon the government. Bonner, Gunderson and W.A.C. Bennett served as a kind of inner-cabinet during the early years of the Social Credit administration. General comments on the members of the first Social Credit government as a group. Personal relationship with the Premier. Comments of the interaction between Bonner and Bennett on decision-making. Example of the genesis of the Two River Policy. Travelling with the Premier. Bonner's avoidance of playing bridge with the Premier. Bonner would refer to W.A.C. Bennett as "Mr. Premier". The Social Credit caucus. The operation of the Social Credit cabinet The lack of a complicated committee system helped the government run smoothly. The operation of Treasury Board and the experience of appearing before it as a Minister.

T0244:0008 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses his duties and responsibilities as Attorney General of British Columbia. Anecdote about meeting with a deputy of a new department. Aspects of administration of the various departments within his ministry. Distinction between the formulation and execution of government policy. Relations with his administrative staff. Politics and the public service. The special characteristics of the Attorney General portfolio. Relationship between the Attorney General and his Deputy Minister. Lawyers as poor administrators. Firing of Dave Barrett, a social worker, for conducting political activity while on the public payroll, 1960. The Attorney General as chief law officer. Abolishing patronage after becoming Attorney General. Comments on the labour movement in British Columbia. Differentiation between labour leaders and the labour force.

T0244:0009 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses the mechanics of holding more than a single cabinet portfolio at a time. Comments on the Social Credit cabinet. Attitudes towards business and subsequent involvement in the world of business as opposed to pursuit of a legal career. A day in the life of the Attorney General. Comments on the style of government practiced by the Social Credit government. The legislative process. The role of House Leader. Comments on the tone of the legislature during the years he served in government. The role of Legislative Counsel. The relationship between senior civil servants and cabinet ministers and the distinction between policy formulation and execution. Filling the basic task of governmental reform.
T0244:0009 track 2: Discussion of the government's problems in dealing with the Doukhobor community. The problems were simple and related to obeying the laws of the province. The problem of school truancy among Doukhobor children. Bombings and arson. The claim of religious persecution by Freedomite Doukhobors. Coordination between the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Education on the New Denver school project. The role of magistrate William Evans. The formation of a special police force, the D Squad, to handle Doukhobor problems. Comments on the effect of criticism and press reports on the government's handling of the Doukhobor situation.

T0244:0010 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses the background to the Sommers Affair. Personal evaluation of Robert Sommers. Reaction to Gordon Gibson's allegations of irregularities in the issuing of forest management licenses. Appointment of the Lord Commission. Charges by C.W. Eversfield and David Sturdy concerning Robert Sommers. Bonner's investigations to determine whether or not Sommers was guilty of any wrongdoing. Eversfield's subsequent disappearance and Sturdy's previous request for an appointment to the Bench. Reasons for Sommers' civil suit against Sturdy. Sommers' resignation from the cabinet; if Sommers had not resigned, Bonner would have. Comments on the Butler Report. Bonner never saw the Butler Report as recalls that it was not conclusive in its findings. Bonner's advice to Sommers and his attorney about the purpose of criminal prosecutions. Comments on police reports. The issue of delays during the course of the Sommers case. Comments on the prosecution of Robert Sommers. The 1956 provincial election and discussion of the charges against Sommers.
T0244:0010 track 2: Robert Sommers' re-election in the 1956 provincial election. The issue of proceeding with the civil suit against Sturdy or, alternately, pursuing a criminal prosecution. Sommers' self-exile in Seattle and being visited by Waldo Skillings. Sommers later meets with Skillings in Victoria and attempts to secure an agreement whereby he would be charged alone. Reasons why Sommers was not charged alone. Sommers received permission to be absent from the pre-trial hearing to take his seat in the House for the legislative session of 1958; this permission was appealed. Dissatisfaction among backbench government members with the handling of the Sommers case. Reaction to the outcome of the case. Bonner was surprised at convictions. The issue of appealing the court sentence for a harsher verdict. The question of bribery with no visible benefits of preferential treatment. Final comments and reflections on the Sommers Affair.

T0244:0011 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses government interventionism. The genesis of the B.C. Ferry system. The takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. The Social Credit government's policy of no concessions to prospective business ventures in British Columbia. The background to the Columbia River Treaty. The American demand for electrical power. The B.C. government's attitude toward the development of the Canadian portion of the Columbia River. Criticism of the Treaty. Discussion of his role in the Treaty. Coining the term "Two River Policy". Reasons for the Canadian bias against exporting power to the; United States. Features of the original treaty and the issue of power being returned to Canada. The relationship between the plans to develop the Peace River and the Columbia negotiations. Modifications and protocol to the treaty, 1964, and the issue of downstream benefits. Points of contention with the federal government. Comments on the Diefenbaker government's stance on the Columbia agreement.
T0244:0011 track 2: Bonner discusses the reasons why British Columbia was able to force both the Canadian and American governments to accept its position on the Columbia River Treaty. The contribution of technical personnel. Comments on committees and the decision-making machinery that contributed to the Columbia agreement. Comments on the relationship between the provincial and federal governments in Canada during the negotiations over the Columbia. Anti-Americanism in the Diefenbaker administration. Reasons why B.C. did not proceed unilaterally on the Columbia agreement. General McNaughton and his plan for the development of the Canadian portion of the Columbia River watershed. Comments on the Kaiser Dam proposal. The appeal and problems of private development of this proposal. Objection to the federal government's Water Rights Bill. The genesis of the Wenner-Gren plan to develop the Peace River. Reasons for the failure of the Wenner-Gren proposal and its effects on later developments.

T0244:0012 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses aspects of the Two River Policy. Reasons for the development of the Peace and Columbia Rivers simultaneously. Advantages in developing the hydro-electric power potential of the rivers publicly, rather than by privately-owned means. The Briggs affair. Reflections on the 1960 provincial election. The issue of the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. Background to the government's decision to take over the company. The special session of 1961 which was called to pass the legislation nationalizing the B.C. Electric Company. Drafting the legislation for the special session. Reaction to the takeover. Criticism of the government action in the business community. Difference between the boardroom reaction and the public response to the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company.
T0244:0012 track 2: Robert Bonner discusses the maintenance of party discipline during the course of the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. The formation of B.C. Hydro and Power Authority, 1962. The role and purpose of a public authority, or Crown Corporation. Aspects of financing B.C. Hydro. The question of pension fund socialism. The return of a Liberal administration in Ottawa in 1963 and its effect on the Columbia River Treaty negotiations. Davie Fulton and the 1963 provincial election. Comments on the 1963 election. Evaluation of the roles played by Bonner, Williston and the Premier in the Columbia River Treaty negotiations. Final comments on the Columbia River Treaty and responses to criticisms of it. The future of the Treaty.

T0244:0013 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses federal-provincial relations during the years he served in government. Competitive versus cooperative federalism. Problems related to the port of Vancouver. Comments on federal-provincial conferences. B.C. delegations to federal-provincial conferences were invariably smaller than other provinces. The genesis of the Roberts Bank superport. The development of Roberts Bank. The issues of equalization payments. The B.C. government's objections to federally-administered equalization payments. The question of a guaranteed annual income. The issue of B.C. separatism. Arguments in favour of B.C. remaining a partner in Canadian Confederation. T0244:0013 track 2: The genesis of the B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia. Recollection of the Senate Bank Committee hearings which reviewed the B.C. government's bank proposal, 1964. Objections to the B.C. government proposal. The process of constitutional review and the search for an amending formula for the Canadian Constitution. Constitutional reform was not a high priority for the B.C. government. The issues of bilingualism and biculturalism. Incident when W.A.C. Bennett brought Mayor Peter Wing to a federal-provincial conference. Reasons why British Columbians were reluctant to admit voting for Social Credit. Involvement in party politics. The mechanics of running an election campaign. Annual Social Credit conventions.

T0244:0014 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses the funding of election campaigns. Comments on Social Credit national politics in Canada. Description of the 1957 federal election campaign which Bonner helped organize for the Social Credit Party. Relations between the British Columbia and Alberta wings of the Social Credit Party. British Columbia's support of Real Caouette. Comments on the possibility of W.A.C. Bennett running federally. Reasons for the failure of the Social Credit Party on a federal level in Canada. The role of an MLA. Problems in being a Vancouver-area MLA. Rural versus urban conflicts in British Columbia politics. Comments on multiple-member ridings.

T0244:0015 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses the effect of politics on his private life. Reasons why legislative reform was not a high priority during the years he served in government. Attitude toward legislative debate. Orders-in-council and the provincial government. Government by regulation. Anecdote about Motor Vehicle Branch regulations. Comments about the changes which took place in British Columbia during the years he served in government. The lack of secondary industry in British Columbia. The comparative advantages of British Columbia's economy. General comments on the financial policies of the first Social Credit government. The distinction between financing government operations and those of crown corporations. Direct versus contingent liabilities.
T0244:0015 track 2: Comments on the investment of pension funds in Hydro bonds and other provincial government accounts. W.A.C. Bennett as Minister of Finance. Parity bonds. Reduction and elimination of the public debt of the province. The Kelowna bond-fire, 1959. Comments on public relations and government. Public relations men who worked for the government. Relationship between the press and government. Reasons why Bonner was considered to be the heir-apparent to the leadership of W.A.C. Bennett's character: "the Anthony Eden complex". The 1966 provincial election. Bonner's defeat in Point Grey. Re-election in Cariboo by-election. The formation of the NDP. Comments on electioneering. Reflection on his resignation from the cabinet, 1968, and retirement from politics, 1969.

T0244:0016 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses the reasons why he resigned from politics. Reaction to general criticisms which were levelled at the first Social Credit government in British Columbia. Comments on the polarization of British Columbia politics. The representative nature of the parliamentary system. Serving as MLA for Cariboo and vice president with MacMillan Bloedel simultaneously. Comments on events leading up to the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. Reasons for the defeat of the government. General comments on the leadership abilities of W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett as an original thinker.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Robert Bonner : a Social Credit cabinet minister, 1952-1968 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1966 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1966 SUMMARY: Bonner made only cursory study of Social Credit doctrine. Disenchanted with "old-line" parties. Supported W.A.C. Bennett for the leadership of the Conservative party, 1950. Bonner almost inactive during 1952 election. Always opposed the C.C.F. Unique aspects of the Social Credit Party in B.C. The role of "imagination" in government. The Bank of British Columbia. The need for government information services. Role of the Social Credit League. Relations between federal and provincial Social Credit parties. B.C. government not "orthodox" Social Credit. Press relations. Inappropriateness of detailed economic planning in B.C. welfare programs.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-16 & 24 SUMMARY: In an interview by Scott Dixon of CFAX Radio, former BC cabinet minister Robert E. Sommers (1911-2000) discusses "the Sommers Affair" of the 1950s. While serving as BC's Minister of Lands and Forests (1952-1956), Sommers was accused of accepting bribes in connection with the issuance of forestry management licences by his department. A number of forestry company officials were charged with giving bribes, and Sommers was charged with receiving them. Sommers was eventually tried, and in 1958 he was convicted on five of the seven counts. As a result, he was the first elected politician in the British Commonwealth to be jailed for corruption. Sommers discusses some details of the episode and its impact on the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett; his own actions in response to the allegations; and his arrest and conviction. He also discusses the role of Attorney-General Robert Bonner.

The item is a video documentary containing a profile of Robert M. Strachan, former leader of the CCF/NDP in BC, leader of the opposition, and cabinet minister in BC's first NDP government.

Interview. A video oral history interview with Robert M. Strachan, former MLA, provincial leader of the CCF/NDP, and NDP cabinet minister. Includes other associated footage also used in the one-hour program, ROBERT STRACHAN: JOURNEYMAN POLITICIAN (V1981:13/007).

The item consists of audio recordings of an interview with Robert Strachan in 1978.
T0528:0003 track 1: Robert Strachan, interviewed on videotape at his home in Cedar B.C., by Derek Reimer and David Mitchell, April 26, 1978. Mr. Strachan discusses how B.C. would have been different if he had been Premier: economic changes, industry, inflation, unemployment, education, social services, societal values, pollution. Discusses possible past impact of socialism in B.C.: forestry, mining. Points out reasons for government participation in economy. Born in Glasgow, 1913. Relates early recollections, family background, aspects of his education. Immigrates to Canada in 1931. Describes early experiences in Canada.
T0528:0003 track 2: Impressions of Alberta and B.C. Little interest in participating in politics in early 1930's. Discusses communist political activity. Interest in reading. Joins trade union, 1937, and holds first elected office: Shop steward. Self-education and interest in credit unions. Becomes interested in politics. Joins C.C.F., 1945. Discusses outstanding personalities in the C.C.F. at that time. Becomes more active in politics and trade union movement in late 1940's. Employed in construction trade. Laid off because of his politics and union involvement. Is defeated in 1949 federal election. Wins Cowichan-Newcastle for C.C.F. in 1952 provincial election. Comments on rise of Social Credit and single transferable ballot. Harold Winch's reaction to election results. Strachan's activity in carpenters' union.

T0528:0004: Mr. Strachan discusses reactions to the 1952 election; why Harold Winch resigned as C.C.F. leader; comments on Harold Winch and Arnold Webster as party leaders; impressions of the Legislature under the Socreds, and of the Socreds in power; 1953 election; Strachan becomes C.C.F. leader, 1956; C.C.F. principles; state of the C.C.F. in 1956; campaigning; 1960 election; public ownership of B.C. Electric a major issue; Vancouver Province and anti-C.C.F. articles; public corporations; the Socreds and the Wenner-Gren scheme; C.C.F. approach to economic development; the Socreds' two rivers policy; northern development in B.C.; the role and responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition; the Socreds' debt reduction policy.

T0528:0005: Mr. Strachan discusses Socred debt reduction policies; Socred labour policies and attitudes; the trade union movement in general; the Socred attempts to unseat Strachan; anecdote about W.A.C. Bennett; and the roads in Strachan's riding; impressions of Wesley Black; attempts to change Strachan's image for the 1963 campaign; control of C.C.F. party policy; Strachan's leadership and Tom Berger's 1967 challenge; changes in the leadership convention; impressions of Berger; Strachan's achievements in 13 years as Leader of the Opposition; development of the NDP, 1957-1961; difference between C.C.F. and NDP; evolution and decline of Social Credit; Bennett as leader; "flying fish act" of Bennett; relationship between Bennett and Strachan. CALL NUMBER: T0528:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Twenty-three years in the B.C. Legislature - the Opposition years PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1966 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1978-04-28 SUMMARY: From his old seat in the B.C. Legislature, Mr. Strachan discusses: the parliamentary system; the role of the Opposition, and the leader of the Opposition; comparison of B.C. Legislature to other Houses; debates; anecdote about Phil Gaglardi and Arnold Webster in debate; first impressions of the House, 1952; early speeches in the House; in debate against J. Allen Reid; Bennett as leader; Bert Price; votes against his party, 1953; Sommers case, revealed by Gordon Gibson in "money has talked" speech; Strachan's early days as opposition leader; relationship with Bennett: Bennett called Strachan "wild man".

T0528:0007: From his old seat in the B.C. Legislature, Mr. Strachan discusses legislative reforms; his attempts to institute a Hansard and an oral question period in the Legislature; the operation of committees; opinions about W.A.C. Bennett; the special session in 1961 to take over B.C. Electric; Bennett and "crow feathers"; the 1972 election; NDP come to power; sworn in as Minister of Highways; first days ;as a Minister of the Crown; genesis of I.C.B.C.; problems with I.C.B.C.; economic considerations; handling of I.C.B.C. by the government; reflections on being a Minister; his resignation from the cabinet and his seat; offered position of Agent-General in London by Barrett; decision to go; reflections on London experience; life in retirement; anecdote about W.A.C. Bennett; anecdotes about Tom Uphill and other figures in the House.

Series consists of personal and political material. His personal effects include correspondence with his family in Scotland and memorabilia of Strachan's boyhood (such as badges and certificates earned as a corporal in the 211st Glasgow Company of the Boys' Brigade), and family photographs. Most of Strachan's papers concern his political career, as member of the legislative assembly, and as Leader of the Opposition, and government minister.

These papers were originally arranged by topic and subject, and, as far as possible such arrangement has been maintained. Thus notes and correspondence pertaining to Strachan's constituency have been separated from papers dealing with provincial topics, such as the Columbia River power project. Similarly, papers dealing with the CCF/NDP caucus are distinct from the extensive correspondence that resulted from unrest within the New Democratic Party during the various leadership challenges of the 1960s.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Experience as a Social Credit backbench MLA, 1966-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1972 RECORDED: Ottawa (Ont.), 1978-03-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Robert Wenman discusses his background, education and experience as a teacher. Comments on his decision to get involved in politics, and why he was attracted to Social Credit. First impressions and influence of W.A.C. Bennett. Comments on W.A.C. Bennett's vision of B.C. Election as an MLA in 1966 and comments on the operation of the government caucus. Comments on the 1969 and 1972 provincial election campaigns. TRACK 2: Robert Wenman explains why the Socreds were defeated in 1972. The establishment of the B.C. Cultural Fund. W.A.C. Bennett's attitude toward culture. General comments on the nature and style of W.A.C. Bennett's administration. The role of Robert Bonner and the effect of his resignation in 1968. The effect of Scott Wallace's defection in 1972. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Son and brother of Premiers of British Columbia PERIOD COVERED: 1929-1977 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-11-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: R.J. Bennett discusses growing up in Kelowna. Memories of his childhood, education and family life. Relationship with the Capozzis. Working in the hardware store. W.A.C. Bennett as a father. The role of his mother in the Bennett household. The effect of his father's involvement in politics on family life. Comments on his own family today and interest in horses and horse-breeding. Reaction to allegations in the Legislature in 1971 of wrongdoing on the part of himself and his brother. TRACK 2: R.J. Bennett discusses the reasons why he never has become directly involved in politics. Recollections of an incident in 1971 when he and his brother successfully sued the Vancouver Sun for its handling of charges which were made in the Legislature by NDP MLA Gordon Dowding. Reaction to his brother's entry into politics. Further comments on politics and the Bennett family. (End of interview)

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1979-10-24 SUMMARY: An oral history interview with G. Scott Wallace, former leader of the B.C. Progressive Conservative Party.;

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollection of W.A.C. Bennett and the genesis of the Bank of B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1964 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-03-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Senator David Croll remembers W.A.C. Bennett as Premier of British Columbia. The 1964 Senate Bank Committee Hearings which looked into the B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia. Premier Bennett's image from the perspective of Ottawa. The reasons for the failure of the Bank of British Columbia proposal. (End of interview)

The item is an video recording of an interview with Mrs. Ruth Johnson and the Honourable Leo Nimsick.

SUMMARY: Bob Bowman speaks in support of re-electing the Social Credit Party in the upcoming B.C. provincial election (no date given). Bowman says that taxes in B.C. are the lowest in Canada overall, and that ;Premier Bennett has kept hydro rates down. SIDE 1: Five cuts. SIDE 2: Three cuts.;

CALL NUMBER: T0025:0001 PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1966 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1966-11-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Recording of a banquet dinner at the 1966 Social Credit Convention, commemorating the service of Hon. Eric Martin, Minister of Health, 1952-1966. Entertainment: several songs performed by the Maori dancers of New Zealand. Premier W.A.C. Bennett presents award to the Cariboo constituency association. Comments on Eric Martin and his roll in the Social Credit party. TRACK 2: Presentations ;to Eric Martin at the dinner banquet by: Dr. Charles Ennals, Isobel Dawson, Grace McCarthy and Einar Gunderson. Address by Ray Williston chronicling the career of Eric Martin. Remarks and reminiscences by Eric Martin, including an explanation of why he was retiring due to ill health.;

CALL NUMBER: T0025:0002 PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1966 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1966-11-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continuation of remarks by Eric Martin at the 1966 Social Credit Convention dinner banquet. Presentation to Mrs. Martin. Comments by Premier W.A.C. Bennett.;

PERIOD COVERED: ;1952;-;1963 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1963-02-20 SUMMARY: The Hon. Francis Xavier Richter, Minister of Agriculture, relates Social Credit theory to the policies of the Department of Agriculture, particularly to the 4-H program.;

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1972 SUMMARY: Speeches and interviews recorded at victory celebrations after the New Democratic Party's won the 1972 BC provincial election; why the NDP won, and their plans for the future.;

SUMMARY: A radio documentary in which political scientist Walter Young examines the political phenomenon of British Columbia's Social Credit government. The program draws on interviews with Premier W.A.C. Bennett, members of his cabinet, MLA's, party workers, and voters, as well as commentary from political science professor Donald Smiley and psychiatrist Dr. James Tyhurst.

SUMMARY: A radio documentary in which political scientist Walter Young examines the political phenomenon of British Columbia's Social Credit government. The program draws on interviews with Premier W.A.C. Bennett, members of his cabinet, MLA's, party workers, and voters, as well as commentary from political science professor Donald Smiley and psychiatrist Dr. James Tyhurst.

The item is a release print of a promotional film from 1968. It shows the economic and other benefits enjoyed by BC residents as a result of political leadership and industrial development in the province. Includes sequences on primary and secondary industries; the damming of the Columbia and Peace Rivers for hydro-electric power and flood control; expansion of highways; BC Ferries; tourism; assistance to homeowners; medical services; educational facilities; etc. Premier W.A.C. Bennett makes some brief prepared remarks at the film's beginning and end.

Promotional film. The economic and other benefits enjoyed by BC residents as a result of political leadership and industrial development in the province. Includes sequences on primary and secondary industries; the damming of the Columbia and Peace Rivers for hydro-electric power and flood control; expansion of highways; BC Ferries; tourism; assistance to homeowners; medical services; educational facilities; etc. Premier W.A.C. Bennett makes some brief prepared remarks at the film's beginning and end.

Out-takes. The economic and other benefits enjoyed by BC residents as a result of political leadership and industrial development in the province. Includes sequences on primary and secondary industries; the damming of the Columbia and Peace Rivers for hydro-electric power and flood control; expansion of highways; BC Ferries; tourism; assistance to homeowners; medical services; educational facilities; etc. Premier W.A.C. Bennett makes some brief prepared remarks at the beginning and end of the film.

The item is a video copy of a promotional film. The first part contains "The Good Life" about the economic and other benefits enjoyed by BC residents as a result of political leadership and industrial development in the province. Includes sequences on primary and secondary industries; the damming of the Columbia and Peace Rivers for hydro-electric power and flood control; expansion of highways; BC Ferries; tourism; assistance to homeowners; medical services; educational facilities; etc. Premier W.A.C. Bennett makes some brief prepared remarks at the film's beginning and end.

The second item on the tape is "Twenty great years in British Columbia" which is a review of industrial development and economic growth in the province under the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett, 1952-72, and an outline of the measures planned in its 1972 budget. Beginning with a review of BC's economic situation in 1951-52, the film shows how Social Credit policies encouraged development through improved highways, the BC Ferry system, the encouragement of tourism, the extension of the PGE Railway and the construction of power projects on the Peace and Columbia Rivers. The planned expenditures and priorities of the 1972 budget are illustrated.

The item consists of two reels of kinescope prints which show the opening of the B.C. Legislature on February 7, 1957, with a speech from the throne delivered by Lieutenant Governor Frank M. Ross.

The item is a microfiche copy of a thesis by H. William Tieleman titled "The political economy of nationalization Social Credit and the takeover of the British Columbia Electric Company. vi, 94 p: table. Thesis (M.A.), University of British Columbia, 1984. Vita. Bibliography: pages 90-94.

Purchased from the National Library, 1987.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Tony Tozer : friend and associate of the Bennett family PERIOD COVERED: 1931-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Tony Tozer discusses his personal and family background. Growing up in Kelowna as a friend of the Bennett family. Impressions of W.A.C. Bennett as head of the Bennett household. Relations with the Bennett children. The role of Mrs. Bennett. Anecdotes about W.A.C. Bennett and social and business activities in Kelowna. TRACK 2: Tony Tozer discusses the relationship between the Bennetts and the Capozzis. Religion and the Bennett family. Impressions of the Bennett hardware store. Working for the hardware store as a young man. The effect of W.A.C. Bennett's involvement in politics. Participating in election campaigns. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett joining the Social Credit Party. No lack of certainty or confidence in the political destinies of W.A.C. or Bill Bennett. Loyalty and the Bennett family. (End of interview)

SUMMARY: A half-hour radio documentary on the life and career of former B.C. Premier W.A.C. Bennett. Aired on CFAX Victoria in February 1979, following Bennett's death.

Promotional film. A review of industrial development and economic growth in the province under the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett, 1952-72, and an outline of the measures planned in its 1972 budget. Beginning with a review of BC's economic situation in 1951-52, the film shows how Social Credit policies encouraged development through improved highways, the BC Ferry system, the encouragement of tourism, the extension of the PGE Railway and the construction of power projects on the Peace and Columbia Rivers. The planned expenditures and priorities of the 1972 budget are illustrated.

Promotional film. A review of industrial development and economic growth in the province under the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett, 1952-72, and an outline of the measures planned in its 1972 budget. A shortened version of the original release.