Civil service--British Columbia

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Civil service--British Columbia

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Civil service--British Columbia

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Civil service--British Columbia

63 Archival description results for Civil service--British Columbia

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George Vancouver Copley interview : [Reimer, 1975]

CALL NUMBER: T1482:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): George Vancouver Copley : pioneer, surveyor, explorer and civil servant PERIOD COVERED: 1880-1920 RECORDED: Williams Lake (B.C.), 1975-06-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: George Copley tells story of his father who emigrated from Germany, and settled at Cobble Hill about 1876. Copley born 1880. Early life in Cobble Hill. Injured in a sawmill in Nanaimo. Lengthy series of operations to save his arm. A variety of jobs in Victoria. Meets Frank Swannell, famous surveyor. TRACK 2: Description of Frank Swannell. Surveying in British Columbia before 1920: Finlay; River, Liard River, Parsnip River, Cariboo, Pemberton Valley. Worked for B.C. Forest Service starting about 1914. Transportation in the central interior: stage coach and steamship. Steamship ride up the Nechako River. Horse and gas stages on the Cariboo Road. Arrival of stage at Soda Creek.

CALL NUMBER: T1482:0002 - 0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): George Vancouver Copley : pioneer, surveyor, explorer and civil servant RECORDED: Williams Lake (B.C.), 1975-06 & 07 SUMMARY: [No content documentation is available for these five tapes, which were recorded on June 17, 18 & 20 and July 2, 1975.]

Gerald S. Bryson interview

CALL NUMBER: T3724:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1957 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-08-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses his early years, education and military experience during the Second World War. Ambitions after the war. Attaining position as B.C. representative of the Dominion Bureau of Statistics. Duties with the DBS. In 1948 became Assistant Commissioner for the B.C. Social Security and Municipal Aid Tax. Problems associated with implementing the new tax. A unique introduction to the provincial civil service. In 1950 he became Commissioner of the Social Security and Municipal Aid Tax, succeeding Lloyd Detwiller. The disparity between salaries in the civil service and in the private sector at the time. Reasons for continuing in the public service. Problems dealt with as Commissioner of the sales tax. Herbert Anscomb as Minister of Finance. (pause) The effect of the break-up of the Coalition government. Byron Johnson as Minister of Finance. TRACK 2: Main goals as Commissioner of the sales tax. Comments on the unique aspects of British Columbia's implementation of the sales tax. Reaction to the election of British Columbia's first Social Credit government, 1952. Reaction in the civil service to the change in government. Einar Gunderson as Minister of Finance. J.V. Fisher as Deputy Minister of Finance. In 1954 was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance. Further comments on J.V. Fisher. As Assistant Deputy, Bryson helped establish a daily report for W.A.C. Bennett on government finances. Appointed as economic advisor to the government; his main task was the elimination of the public debt of the province. Comments on becoming Deputy Minister of Finance. Advice given by W.A.C. Bennett after becoming Deputy Minister of Finance. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses Herbert Anscomb as Minister of Finance. Byron Johnson as Minister of Finance. Einar Gunderson's impact on the Finance department. W.A.C. Bennett's practice of serving simultaneously as Premier and Minister of Finance. Relationship with W.A.C. Bennett as his deputy minister. Bryson's responsibilities were greater than would have been usual for a deputy minister. Travelling with the Premier. Comments on becoming deputy minister and advice given to him by W.A.C. Bennett. Impressions of Social Credit and the new government during its early years in power. First impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. Bryson's method of administration was one of delegation as opposed to his predecessor as deputy, J.V. Fisher, who tended to centralize authority in the Finance Department. The structure of the Finance department at the time he became deputy. TRACK 2: The role of the comptroller-general in the Finance Department. C.J. Ferber as comptroller-general. Method of preparing the daily financial statement for W.A.C. Bennett. Policy formulation and policy execution. Government administration not different than running a business. Relationship with other members of cabinet. Preparing daily financial statements for W.A.C. Bennett. Working within a system of balanced budgets. W.A.C. Bennett often could point out errors in monthly financial statements which were delivered to him by Bryson and Ferber. The advantages of daily and monthly financial statements. W.A.C. Bennett's financial acumen. W.A.C. Bennett enjoyed meeting financial people. Methods of keeping the Premier informed of developments in the financial world. The effect of Social Credit slogans. Further comments on working on a balanced budget system. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 3) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-[no date] RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses his relationship with Premier W.A.C. Bennett. Attending Premiers' conferences as representative of British Columbia. Relationship with other deputy ministers in the provincial government. Special status as deputy minister of Finance. Financial information available to other ministers. W.A.C. Bennett's plans to develop the northern part of the province. Bryson's involvement in discussions on policy related to the development of the province. Introduction of data processing to the Department of Finance. Problems related to borrowing money for crown corporations. Changes in the Department of Finance during the years he served as deputy minister. Comments on the daily duties of deputy minister of Finance. Decision-making in government. Compatibility with Premier W.A.C. Bennett. The lack of unnecessary paper-work in government in those years. Extra duties during legislative sessions. Sitting next to the Premier during his estimates. During legislative sessions Bryson was always on call. TRACK 2: The importance of debt reduction in W.A.C. Bennett's vision of British Columbia's development. Method of debt-reduction used by the government. The debate about direct versus indirect liabilities. Crown corporations and their financial responsibilities. Further comments on the distinction between direct and indirect liabilities. Factors involved in attaining a no-debt status for British Columbia. The unique qualities of crown corporations. Charges that the government was using two sets of books. Surpluses are necessary in order to achieve a balanced budget. Characterization of the government's financial policy as "conservative". The use of accumulated surpluses. Recollection of the "bond-fire" at Kelowna, 1959. Bryson removed himself from political issues or events. The use of surpluses and the issuing of special warrants for expenditure. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 4) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the activities related to the preparation of the provincial budget during the years of British Columbia's first Social Credit government. Little Treasury Board. Big Treasury Board. The operation of Treasury Board. Distinction between various roles Bryson served in. Friendly nature of Treasury Board negotiations. Duties as secretary of Treasury Board. Not all ministers submitted estimates which were intentionally higher than they knew would be approved. The operation of Treasury Board. Appointments to Treasury Board. Some ministers lobbied with Bryson during the Treasury Board process for extra expenditure. The flexibility of this system of Treasury Board. How decisions regarding additional expenditures were made. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 5) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-10-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the provincial budget as a statement of government policy. Preparation of the budget speech. Comments on Treasury Board. Ministers' estimates were not given final approval in Treasury Board; when the provincial budget was introduced in the House, some ministers may have been as surprised as the general public. Some estimates were increased rather than decreased in Treasury Board. Methods of financial restraint used by the government of W.A.C. Bennett. Problems of economic growth and recession. The genesis of parity bonds. The unique qualities of British Columbia's parity bonds. Further comments on the introduction of parity bonds by W.A.C. Bennett. TRACK 2: Problems associated with issuing parity bonds. The provincial government experienced problems as a result of having millions of dollars of parity bonds out "on demand". Organized run on parity bonds occurred after the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company, 1961. Bryson spent many sleepless nights over the parity bond crisis. Consequences of the crisis: W.A.C. Bennett resolved to become independent of external financial markets. Financing through provincial pension funds. Investing government pension funds. Aspects of personal relationship with W.A.C. Bennett. Travelling with W.A.C. Bennett. Communicating with the Premier when he was out of Victoria. Comments on Ron Worley. The role of Lawrie Wallace in the later years of W.A.C. Bennett's tenure as Premier. The genesis of homeowners' grants in B.C. Reaction to homeowners' grants. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 6) PERIOD COVERED: [no date]-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-10-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia which was vetoed by the Senate Banking Committee, 1964. Bryson's role in preparing the proposal. The reason for the failure of the government's plan for a Bank of British Columbia. The government's role in the eventual formation and success of the Bank of British Columbia. Attendance with the Premier at federal-provincial conferences. Effect of W.A.C. Bennett's style of participation at federal-provincial conferences. The Premier's advocacy of a five-region Canada. Reaction to the five-region concept. Background to the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. Genesis of the two river policy. Bryson's role in preparation for negotiations for the Columbia River Treaty. Lending Quebec one hundred million dollars after B.C. received payment for the Columbia River Treaty. TRACK 2: Preparation for the special session of the B.C. Legislature in 1961 in which legislation was introduced taking over the B.C. Electric Company. Comments on the methods by which the B.C. Electric Company was taken over. Reaction to the take-over. Explanation of W.A.C. Bennett's claim that the take-over did not cost the taxpayer a cent. Adverse effects of the take-over. Comment on parity bonds. Differences between parity bonds and Canada Savings Bonds. Feelings of apprehension during election campaigns. Election campaigns and their effect on Bryson's duties. Comment on the changing nature of his function and duties during the years he served with W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett prior to the 1972 election. Reaction to the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. Recollection of last meeting with W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. Reflection on W.A.C. Bennett in his last years in office. (End of interview)

Hugh Morrison interview

CALL NUMBER: T1366:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Civil Service Commissioner 1945-1969 (part 1) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974-11-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Family background and education. Career as teacher and school inspector. Appointment as Chief Personnel Officer. Early history of Civil Service. Reorganization Report 1945. Installing system. TRACK 2: Post-war employment situation. Cost of living bonus. Streamlining. Changing role of Commission. Coalition government and CSC. B.C. Government Employees Association and CSC. Salary settlements. CALL NUMBER: T1366:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Civil Service Commissioner 1945-1969 (part 2) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974-11-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Coalition government and collective bargaining. Advent of Social Credit and CSC. Social Credit and staffing. Grievance procedures. In-service training. Employees Safety Program. TRACK 2: Dismissal of Dave Barrett. New Provincial Secretary Wesley Black. New Government and CSC. Carrothers Report. Government opposition to collective bargaining. Ferry workers "strike". CALL NUMBER: T1366:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Civil Service Commissioner 1945-1969 (part 3) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974-11-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Collective bargaining issue. Salary discussions. 1972 Civil Service Report. Collective bargaining and paternalistic system. NDP government and British versus American civil service system. Retrospect. (End of interview)

Isabel Bescoby fonds

  • PR-1185
  • Fonds
  • 1931-1937, 1950-1969

The fonds consists of Bescoby's correspondence, primarily pertaining to B.C. history, and photographs (1950-1959) documenting her career as staff training representative for the federal government.

Bescoby, Isabel M., d. 1969

Jim Nielsen : [press conferences, etc., 1977]

CALL NUMBER: T1019:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Comments on alleged political blacklist RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-02-02 SUMMARY: Comments by Environment Minister James Nielsen on an alleged "political blacklist" in his ministry, 2 February 1977. CALL NUMBER: T1019:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jim Nielsen on pipeline dangers and Greenbelt Act changes RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-01 & 25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Environment Minister Jim Nielsen expresses concern about the environmental problems of oil pipelines in British Columbia, 1 March 1977. TRACK 2: Nielsen discusses proposed changes to the Greenbelt Act, 25 March 1977. CALL NUMBER: T1019:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jim Nielsen on Houston sawmill and milfoil weed in Okanagan Lake RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Environment Minister Jim Nielsen comments on the decision by the Land Commission to allow the construction of a sawmill at Houston, 1977. TRACK 2: Nielsen comments on the report of the committee investigating the Eurasian milfoil weed problem in Okanagan Lake, 4 April 1977. CALL NUMBER: T1019:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jim Nielsen on Skagit Valley, Okanagan Lake weeds, and oil spills RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-30 & 1977-06-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Environment Minister Jim Nielsen says that the resolution of the Skagit Valley controversy may be years away, 30 May 1977. TRACK 2: Nielsen outlines plans for 2,4-D control of Eurasian milfoil weeds in the Okanagan Lakes. Also, Nielsen says he doesn't like the idea of Cherry Point (Washington) as a major oil shipping terminal, 6 June 1977.

Joan Gillatt interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Joan Gillatt : organizing the BCGEA - the early years RECORDED: Duncan (B.C.), 1979-07-02 SUMMARY: Mrs. Gillatt was born in 1929. She completed university in the early 1940s, working her way through school. She was first a bank clerk for sixty-five dollars a month, and then became a wartime replacement worker for the provincial government as a lab assistant. Women played an important role in the war effort; their employment, however, was seen as a temporary phenomenon. Working in the government, she became a steward for a new association, the BCGEA, and then the vice president of the Victoria branch after she transferred into a file clerk's job. The jobs that women held were dead-end, and discrimination against both women and non-white workers was a problem. Issues facing government workers included the service nature of the job, political patronage, establishing collective bargaining, and union recognition. TRACK 2: Opportunity was the central issue women faced in the civil service. Mrs. Gillatt was the vice-president and then acting president of the association. She was a skillful negotiator with the government. She was the only woman on the executive for a number of years and fought hard to establish women's equality in the leadership field.

John Fryer interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-02-11 SUMMARY: [No content documentation is available for this interview.];

Lawrie Wallace interview

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Family life and early manhood PERIOD COVERED: 1913-1938 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-04-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. L.J. Wallace recalls his early life at the William Head Quarantine Station, B.C. Born April 24, 1913. Siblings: Robert, Mary and Jack. Father was Chief Steward at Quarantine Station. Discussion of Wallace's forebears, mainly in the Metchosin area. Family to Victoria in 1916. Father's occupations. Father on Victoria School Board prior to death in 1938. Anecdote about great-great-grandmother, Granny Vine, of Metchosin. Genealogy of wife's (Lois Inata Leeming) family. Married 1942. Discussion of Wallace's siblings. All trained as educators. Active in First Presbyterian (later First United) Church. Church basketball in Victoria in 1920s. Victoria Normal School, 1931-32. Taught at Alberni Indian Residential School, 1933-36. Schooling: Bank Street School, George Jay School, Victoria; High School. TRACK 2: More on Victoria High School in 1920s: Ira Dilworth, Harry Smith, Bill Roper and other teachers. Wallace not a "recreational" reader. Admirer of Rev. Bruce Gray, Rev. W.G. Wilson, Prof. Walter Gage, William T. Straith, Ira Dilworth and Harry Smith. Part-time and summer jobs. Post-secondary education at Victoria College, Victoria Normal School and University of British Columbia. Graduated B.A., 1938 in history and mathematics. Master of Education from University of Washington 1946-47. Victoria College in the early 1930s. UBC, 1936-38. Member of Psi Upsilon fraternity. More on Alberni Indian Residential School.;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early teaching career and the Royal Canadian Navy PERIOD COVERED: ca. 1920-1946 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-04-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. L.J. Wallace tells of his parents' education. Father a member of Victoria School Board. Father prominent member of Masons and Orange Lodge. Wallace graduated UBC 1938. Taught at Duncan High School, 1938-41. Involvement with co-curricular activities while at DHS. Joined Navy in 1941. Part-time training at Naden, late 1941. Officer training at Royal Roads, 1942. Active Naval Service, beginning April 1942. Married Lois Leeming, April 1942. More on Royal Roads training. Service on RCN corvette, "Ville de Quebec". TRACK 2: More about the new RCN corvette, "Ville De Quebec". Convoy duty out of Halifax, 1942. Transferred to Fairmiles submarine chasers. Caribbean duty based in Miami, 1943. On staff of King's College, Officer training school, Halifax, 1943-45. Taught navigation and "c;ommand" techniques. Commander of training ship "Charney". V-E Day in Halifax, 1945. Wallace has command of the new training ship, "New Liskeard". VJ Day in Lunenburg, N.S. Discharged from RCN in December 1945 with rank of Lieutenant Commander. University of Washington for M.Ed., starting spring 1946. Began teaching at Victoria High School, September 1946. Daughter Marilyn born 1944.;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): World War II and teaching career PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1953 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-04-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lawrence J. Wallace comments on the cooperative spirit displayed in Canada during World War II. Comments on Wallace's family life during the war (short track, about 5 minutes). TRACK 2: Effects of the Depression on the Wallace family. Wallace's father out of work. Comments on the C.C.F. and Social Credit during the 1930s. Wallace briefly a member of the Liberal Party during the late 1940;s. Father was president of Victoria Liberal Association. Taught at Victoria High School, 1946-53. Basketball at VHS. Founding of the Vancouver Island High School Basketball Championship (short track, about 15 minutes).;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Teaching career and British Columbia public service PERIOD COVERED: 1946-1967 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-04-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lawrence J. Wallace discusses his career as a teacher at Victoria High School, 1946-53. Wallace the chairman of the project to build Memorial Stadium at VHS. Assistant Director of the summer school for teachers. Unwilling to leave Victoria to become a school administrator. Joins Department of Education as Director of Community Programs Branch, October 1, 1953. Also Director of Adult Education. Wallace's appointment to the Centennial Celebrations Committee in 1955. Ray Williston and Ken Kiernan recommend a Centennial celebration for 1958. No models to follow for the 1958 Centennial. The structure of the Centennial Committee. TRACK 2: More on the structure of the 1958 Centennial Committee. The "matching grants" scheme for community projects. The scheme adopted for the Canadian Centennial in 1967 (short track, about 15 minutes).;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): "Mr. Centennial" PERIOD COVERED: 1958-1971 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-05-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: L.J. Wallace discusses his work on the B.C. Centennial Committees for the Centennials of 1958, 1966-67 and 1971. Visit of HRH Princess Margaret in 1958. Century Sam. More on the 1958 Centenni;al celebrations. Fort Steele Historic Park. TRACK 2: Wallace's assessment of the lasting significance of the Centennial celebrations. Wallace becomes Deputy Provincial Secretary, 1959. Centennial time capsules. Comments on Hon. W.D. Black. The Royal Tours of 1959, 1966, 1967 and 1971. Story of the British Columbia flag.;
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ALL NUMBER: T3835:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Deputy Provincial Secretary and Deputy to the Premier PERIOD COVERED: 1959-1977 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-05-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: L.J. Wallace describes major changes during his tenure as Deputy Provincial Secretary, 1959-1977. The British Columbia Civil Defence Program. The B.C. Civil Service Commission and the demise ;of "patronage". Wallace's various government appointments. Replaces George E.P. Jones on the Purchasing Commission, 1965. W.A.C. Bennett invites Wallace to become Deputy Premier. Wallace declines but agrees to become "Deputy to the Premier". TRACK 2: Discusses the change of government, 1972. Receives many job offers after defeat of Social Credit government, 1972. More on the 1972 change of government. Wallace asked by "every major party" to run for office. The working relationship between Wallace and W.D. Black. Wallace took cabinet oath, 1972. Wallace's relationship with cabinet. The NDP as ;a new government, 1972.;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Deputy Provincial Secretary and Deputy to W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1959-1975 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-07-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: L.J. Wallace discusses his working relations with various ministers. After hours and emergency work including tsunami at Port Alberni. Wallace appointed to Purchasing Commission, 1965. Operation of Purchasing Commission. The construction of Heritage Court as a Centennial project in 1967. Delegate to meeting of Colombo Plan, 1969. Peace Arch meeting between Prime Minister Pearson, President Johnson and Premier Bennett. Named to Order of Canada, 1971. More about the provincial elections, 1972 and 1975. TRACK 2: Speculation about W.A.C. Bennett's intentions regarding resignation. Relations between Phil Gaglardi and W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett expected to be succeeded by Leslie Peterson. Succession scenarios. Wallace encouraged to run for public office but declines. Violence incident in ;New Westminster during 1972 cabinet tour. Election night, 1972. W.A.C. Bennett as Leader of the Opposition. W.A.C. Bennett's ideas about his sons in politics. The redistribution commission of 1975.;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Agent-General and Deputy Minister to the Premier PERIOD COVERED: 1959-1981 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-07-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: L.J. Wallace discusses his role on the Capital Improvement District Commission, 1959-77. Electoral Redistribution Commission, 1975. Change in government, December 22, 1975. Appointed Agent-General in London, 1977. Mandate as Agent-General. Made freeman of the City of London, 1978. Pays tribute to wife and family. Comments on growth of bureaucracy. Victoria High School Centennial, 1976. Becomes Deputy Minister to the Premier, 1980. As Deputy, established "Premier's Ministry". TRACK 2: Comments on his terms as deputy to W.A.C. Bennett and W.R. Bennett. The pressures on a premier. Role ;as an administrator versus policy maker. Role of "advisor". Scheduling for the Premier. Comparisons between W.A.C. Bennett and W.R. Bennett. Wallace's views of public service. Comments on attitudes in; the public service. Feels he and his brothers would have been successful in private life as well as public life. Wallace offered position in federal public service. Summary remarks. (End of interview)

Lloyd F. Detwiller interview

CALL NUMBER: T2601:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Commissioner of Sales Tax and the Hospital Insurance Service in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1917-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lloyd Detwiller discusses his personal and family background, education and entry into the civil service in B.C. Early experiences in the Department of Finance. Appointment as commissioner of sales tax in 1948. The problems of implementing the sales tax in B.C. TRACK 2: Detwiller explains the problems of bringing in electronic equipment into the Department of Finance. Appointment as Commissioner of the British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service, 1949. Problems of implementing British Columbia's hospital insurance system. The centralization of the accounts of the hospital insurance system.

CALL NUMBER: T2601:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Hospital insurance and the decline of the Coalition in B.C. RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lloyd Detwiller discusses the development of the British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service (BCHIS). Coalition politics and the establishment of hospital insurance in B.C. Hospital insurance and the 1952 provincial election. TRACK 2: Lloyd Detwiller discusses the effect of the government change in 1952 on his career and on BCHIS. General philosophy of government-administrated health-care systems. (End of interview)

Military paylists for BC government employees

  • GR-1760
  • Series
  • 1915-1918

Letterpress copies of military pay lists for government employees on active military service, February 1915 - December 1918. Pay lists show regular government salary less deductions of military pay and beneficiary.

British Columbia. Treasury Dept.

Personnel administration files

  • GR-2679
  • Series
  • 1974-1984

The series consists of files from the Personnel Administration Branch of the Ministry of Health, and its predecessor, the Dept. of Health, created between 1974 and 1984. The series includes general files on discipline, hours of work, and labour relations files including correspondence and negotiations with BCGEU (British Columbia Government Employees Union), BCGPEA (B.C. Government Professional Employees Association), CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees), RNABC (Registered Nurses Association of B.C.), and RPNABC (Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of B.C.). The files also include daily copies of the outgoing correspondence of several senior personnel officers.

British Columbia. Ministry of Health (1976-2001)

Provincial Secretary executive records

  • GR-0496
  • Series
  • 1929-1947

This series consists of executive records of the Provincial Secretary, covering a wide variety of topics. The Provincial Secretary's department was responsible for a broad range of legislation and activities - including the civil service, provincial elections and (until 1946) health and welfare services. These records comprise part of the former Provincial Secretary's Central Registry. This registry consisted of general correspondence, policy directives, branch reports, inter-departmental memoranda, circulars, grant applications, and a host of miscellaneous documents.

The finding aid consists of two parts. Part I is a box/file list showing the original order and arrangement of the records. The records fall into six categories or subseries:

A. General correspondence: correspondence inward (with replies), reports, circulars, etc.
B. Appointments: correspondence, commissions, oaths of allegiance of coroners, magistrates, and other appointed officials.
C. Resident Physicians: correspondence re: grants paid to physicians in isolated communities
D. Grants: correspondence and reports pertaining to grants paid to various community groups and charitable organizations, service clubs, etc.
E. Workmen's Compensation Board: circulars, etc.
F. Contemporary card indexes: alphabetical subject index cards. Part II: Subject Index

Part II of this finding aid consists of a subject index compiled by the Provincial Archives of BC. The index indicates the main topics or subject areas - e.g. Provincial Infirmary, Elections, Industrial Schools, etc. which are documented in GR-0496. The index does not claim to be comprehensive or exhaustive, but it should help researchers to locate documents which concern particular institutions or activities.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Ralph Loffmark interview

CALL NUMBER: T3093:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early life and education PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ralph Loffmark discusses: his family background; his early life in the interior of B.C.; his education in Chase, B.C., Kamloops, B.C., at the University of B.C., and at the University of Toronto; his election to the student council at the University of Toronto as athletic director; and his enlistment in the Canadian army. TRACK 2: Ralph Loffmark discusses: his service in the armed forces, his close encounters with death; his first experience with a conscious political policy; his law and business education experiences as a veteran; his first employment as a lawyer; his interests in accountancy; teaching commerce at UBC; his experience writing in areas of the law and commerce; his first interests in politics. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Loffmark's first election and some of his political ideas PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1963 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ralph Loffmark discusses: his first exposure to politics; his entry into politics as a Social Credit candidate in 1963; the 1963 election campaign; his perceptions of the Social Credit Party at that time; his concern over the state of roads in B.C. during that period. TRACK 2: Ralph Loffmark discusses the expropriation of B.C. Electric as a major issue in the1963 provincial election; the nature of the Social Credit membership in Point Grey; the nature of nomination and candidacy procedure; dams on the Peace and Columbia Rivers; the crippling effects of cost overruns in government projects; some of his perceptions about the political parties in B.C.; and his primary occupational objectives. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Being elected and joining the cabinet PERIOD COVERED: 1963-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: the role of the backbencher in the legislature; joining the cabinet as Minister of Industrial Development, Trade and Commerce in 1964; attempts at influencing cabinet ministers; his priorities as a cabinet minister; and transportation problems in Canada. TRACK 2: Loffmark discusses: Canadian freight rates; trade promotion activities; Japanese business connections; contrasts between doing business with Japan and India; his appointment to Treasury Board; the duties of Treasury Board; and inter-departmental relations. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Trade and Commerce PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: the development of the Bank of British Columbia; the run on B.C. bonds after the expropriation of B.C. Electric; the opportunities for tax reductions open to a business man; foreign investment in B.C.; secondary industries in B.C.; the poor state of dominion-provincial relations; B.C. separatism; the contention over the adequacy of Vancouver harbour; the possible over-production of pulp and paper. TRACK 2: Loffmark discusses: the redistribution of seats prior to the 1966 provincial election; the 1966 election campaign in Vancouver South; his travels on trade missions; joint American-Canadian development around the area of the Alaskan Panhandle. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Health PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: his move from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to Health; Phil Gaglardi's removal as Minister of Highways and its effect on the Social Credit Party; the problems he perceived in the field of health; his priorities as Health minister; the ban on liquor and tobacco advertising; the death penalty for persistent drug traffickers; the operation of government liquor stores; the debate over pollution control; the necessity to maintain some kind of control over doctors who were abusing medicare; Scott Wallace's position in the Social Credit Party; and pharmacare and dentacare. TRACK 2: Loffmark discusses: dentacare and pharmacare; the publishing of doctors' earnings; the resource development vs. social services debate; the Clearwater incident; B.C. government efforts to fight heroin addiction; the government's power to allow certain doctors to use hospital facilities; the effects of Scott Wallace's crossing the floor; and the 1972 provincial election. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Health care and some general political perceptions PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: the 1972 election; the Dease Lake railway extension; his major accomplishments as Minister of Health; his decision to retire from politics; his impressions of politics in general and of the party system; his relationship with W.A.C. Bennett; and cabinet meetings. TRACK 2: Ralph Loffmark discusses the timing of elections; the nature of the relationship between the civil service and the government; decision-making in his ministries; all-night sittings of the Legislature; his relationship with the press; government-organized group relations; opposition party unity; the effectiveness of opposition parties; and his perception of persons in the opposition parties. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Some general political perceptions PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: his views on the Dease Lake railway extension; cost reductions in health care; the home medical care scheme; his present activities; religion in politics; the effectiveness of a good political leader; the role of an MLA; the reasons behind W.A.C. Bennett's success; the Social Credit party as a coalition; reforms in the procedure of the House; the nature of the makeup of the Social Credit government; the nature of Social Credit policy-making; the proper functions of government; the rise of administrative tribunals; the decline of the Legislature. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview]

Ray Orchard interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Ray Orchard interview PERIOD COVERED: 1931-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: An interview with Ray Orchard, Director of Provincial Information at the Ministry of the Provincial Secretary and Travel Industry. Orchard discusses: his childhood and education, the role of Lawrie Wallace on his life, going to Vic High, driving across Canada, working in radio and plays in England, getting married and moving back to Canada. Orchard then turns to his role in the 1971 centennial, and working for the Ministry of the Provincial Secretary. Discusses changes in the civil service when the NDP took over in 1972. Clare Copeland selling the provincial government time on the radio station CFAX. Ron Worley, an aide to W.A.C. Bennett, suggested Orchard be the voice of the government in the radio commercial. Commercial was called "Ask Your Provincial Government"; ran 5 times a day on Saturdays and Sundays. Difficulty in editing ministers responses; Orchard wanted the commercials to be informative, not just advertisements for the Social Credit Party. TRACK 2: Orchard continues discussing his role in the Ministry of the Provincial Secretary: Lawrie Wallace retained as deputy minister; Orchard's "Ask Your Provincial Government" was ended; duties he was responsible for as director of public information and personnel. Orchard says he has always been a generalist, so he liked the challenge of doing different things in the ministry. Discusses working with Mrs. McCarthy, Wayne Currie; satisfaction with the eventual split between the public information and the personnel roles; the new Socred government. (End of interview)

Ray Williston interview : [Reimer, 1975 : part 1]

CALL NUMBER: T1375:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Childhood and Youth, 1914-1933 PERIOD COVERED: 1914-1933 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-01-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in Victoria, 1914. United Empire Loyalist stock in New Brunswick, 1786. Family moves to B.C. in 1912 (?). Father in feed business. Moved to Ladner. Father in debt. Moved to Salmon Arm. Father killed in 1927, putting the family into even greater debt. TRACK 2: Works for "The SAFE" in Salmon Arm. Mother ran a boarding house. Played in dance band through the Depression. Ambition to become a pilot. Normal School in Victoria. Member of Older Boys' Parliament. Worked as warehouseman and clerk. Depression years in Salmon Arm. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Student and teacher, 1934-1939 PERIOD COVERED: 1934-1939 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-01-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Williston discusses his first teaching job in Hendon, B.C. in 1934. He then took a B.A. at UBC summer school, starting in 1935. Taught in Surrey, B.C. Talks about Surrey social life at the time, and his marriage in 1939. Moves to Princeton, B.C. Graduates from UBC in 1940. Discusses the social life in Princeton in the late 1930s. TRACK 2: Discusses teaching at the Princeton High School. UBC summer session discussed. Walks over Hope-Princeton trail in 1939. Gordon Shrum and Professor Sedgewick at UBC. Williston has attack of "nervous exhaustion". He develops an "abhorrence" of socialism during the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Airman and School Administrator, 1940-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-01-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Rejects BCTF militancy in the 1930s. Rejection of socialism. RCAF (1940-1945) in Alberta. Returns to teaching in 1945. Supervising principal in Prince George. Joins the Department of Education as school inspector. TRACK 2: Reprimand by W.T. Straith, Minister of Education. Declines to run as a Socred in 1952. Runs in 1953 and elected (Fort George constituency). Unschooled in Socred monetary theory. Thought W.A.C. Bennett too conservative in financial matters. Socialism versus "adapted free enterprise". Voted for various parties in 1930s and 1940s. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit politician, 1952-1954 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1954 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-01-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Attracted to the Social Credit Party in 1952 by the people in it. Nominating meeting in 1953. Had job as a lecturer at the University of Washington, 1954. Became Minister of Education, April 1954. Aquatic events in the Gorge, Victoria. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T1375:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): MLA and Minister of Education, 1953-1956 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-06 SUMMARY: Williston reprimanded by William T. Straith, Minister of Education, for making public statements about education. Asked to resign as school inspector when he was nominated in 1953. 1953 election. W.A.C. Bennett speaks on behalf of Williston, 1953. Williston's first speech in Legislative Assembly. Williston gets favourable reaction from all sides. Responsibilities of "the press". Williston becomes Minister of Education, April 1954. Appointment kept secret until last minute. Initial problems and issues in education -- financing, teacher training, curriculum. Role of deputy ministers. Some senior public servants try to embarrass the new government, especially with regard to finances. School finances. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Education, 1954-1956 PERIOD COVERED: 1954-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Problems of school construction and finance, 1954-56. Establishment of teacher training in universities. British Columbia College of Education. Reinstatement of World Review in the schools. Education problems with Doukhobors. Doukhobor school at New Denver, B.C. The socializing role of the school system. TRACK 2: More on B.C. College of Education. Personalities in B.C. education. Salaries of education officials. School openings. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The "Sommers" Case PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1957 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: "Sommers scandal" in which Robert Sommers is accused and convicted of accepting bribes in relation to the granting of forest land tenures. Williston's personal assessment of Sommers. Williston appointed Minister of Lands and Forests, 1956. Reaction within government to the scandal. Mel Bryan crosses the floor to protest Attorney-General Bonner's handling of the affair. TRACK 2: More on Mel Bryan and "Sommers scandal". Assessment of Ron Worley. Sloan Commission on Forestry, 1957.

Ray Williston interview : [Reimer, 1975 : part 4]

CALL NUMBER: T1375:0021 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Environmental issues, federal-provincial relations and government finance PERIOD COVERED: 1954-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Williston discusses: the formation and operation of the Environment and Land Use Committee (ELUC); unusual power of ELUC; pollution control problems, specifically pulp mill effluent; greenbelts; lakeshore development policies; dominion-provincial relations; restrictions and sanctions against travel and conferences; Resources for the Future Conference and the Canadian Council of Resource Ministers. Cabinet and Bennett never discussed separation from Canada. TRACK 2: Williston talks about: offshore mineral rights; government's interest in the Bank of B.C. Treasury Board and procedures for control of government spending; details on the operation of Treasury Board; W.A.C. Bennett as Finance Minister; budget preparation. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0022 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Resource issues in the 1950s and 1960s PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1970 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses government policy to encourage Japanese investment in B.C., and gives details about Japanese investment. Williston and Bennett meet Japanese Crown Prince and Princess. Development of the quota system in the allocation of timber rights. Quota system provides stability in the forest industry. Williston never unduly pressured by forest companies. Disparaging comments about North American Water and Power Alliance (NAWAPA). TRACK 2: More on NAWAPA. 1960 truck loggers' convention and flare-up with Gordon Gibson Sr. Williston discusses issue of bribes and gifts to ministers. Personal assessment of Gordon Gibson Sr. Williston then discusses Pollution Control Board: 1965 legislation; impetus for change from various sources, air pollution not included; weakness of a system that imposes fines; the need for political involvement in pollution control; differences of opinion over control standards with Health Minister Ralph Loffmark. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0023 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Resource and environment issues, 1956-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Pollution control: differences of opinion between Williston and Ralph Loffmark; air quality standards difficult to set; onus of responsibility for pollution on the polluter; local, regional and provincial pollution standards; Williston, Loffmark and Campbell on Pollution Control Board (PCB) as of 1969; restrictions on those who could appear before the PCB. Economic growth versus conservation and environmental control. Role of public opinion in altering Williston's thinking on environmental issues. Williston not very concerned about foreign and non-resident ownership of land. Use of land and resources the important thing. Preservation of waterfront for public recreation. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T1375:0024 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Resource issues in the 1960s and 1970s PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Williston's perspectives on: Buttle Lake controversy; mining in a provincial park; logging within Strathcona Park; the establishment of Rathtrevor Park and the exchange of timber within Strathcona Park. Discusses Skagit River controversy; involvement of Liberal Party. Williston assesses the recreational potential as modest. Discusses provincial obligations related to this issue. Cypress Bowl. TRACK 2: More on Cypress Bowl. Nitinat Triangle issue: the extension of Pacific Rim National Park. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0025 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit Cabinet Minister, 1954-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Question of the extension of the boundaries of Pacific Rim National Park, 1970-71. Nuclear power in B.C. Gordon Shrum interested in nuclear power. Williston cool to the social side of politics, such as state balls and legislative openings. Williston opposes the right to strike in the public sector. Changes in the public service, 1953-1972. Elections and election strategy. The central role of W.A.C. Bennett in elections. Decision to end the preferential ballot in 1955. TRACK 2: More on the preferential ballot. Provincial election, 1956. Provincial election, 1960. Williston's thoughts on campaigning in general. Political and economic philosophy. Comments on the NDP government. Fiscal conservatism of W.A.C. Bennett. The religious appeal of Social Credit. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0026 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Elections and conventions, the 1972 defeat and aftermath PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Further discusses the religious appeal of Social Credit. Redistribution 1966. Relations between B.C. Social Credit government and federal party. Provincial election, 1972: issues in election; factors leading to defeat; Bennett in the election; negative role of P.A. Gaglardi; Williston's personal defeat in Fort George; Williston willing to oppose Gaglardi for Socred leadership; New Westminster incident. Talks about winding up the affairs of government after the election. Comments on Robert Williams. TRACK 2: More on government changeover. Job offers after 1972 election. United Nations; (FAO) jobs in Indonesia, Peru and Bangladesh. Other job offers. Personal assessment of P.A. Gaglardi. Social Credit League. Members and supporters in Fort George constituency. Role of Social Credit League and conventions in policy formation. Typical Socred convention described. Place of socialism in B.C. society. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0027 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Legislative Assembly, 1953-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Williston's political philosophy. Negative aspects of centralized control in a socialist bureaucracy. Williston's assessment of the key role of Bob Williams in the NDP government. Role of pressure groups. The Legislative Assembly: all-night sessions; Ernest Winch; Arnold Webster; Thomas Berger; Dave Barrett; contact between parties outside the House; anecdote about Tom Uphill. TRACK 2: Anecdotes about the Legislature. Williston discusses prominent Liberals: Arthur Laing; Ray Perrault; Pat McGeer. Williston feels Hansard to be of limited value. Opposition and press become more negative in later years to the way in which Williston handled his portfolios. Bob Williams becomes Williston's strongest critic. Defection of G. Scott Wallace, 1971. Williston's opinion of the Vancouver press. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0028 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): British Columbia politics, 1953-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C Bennett and the press. Incident regarding secret loan from the Bank of Nova Scotia. More on the press. Comments on Stuart Keate, newspaper publisher. Opposition to Williston in the Prince George press. Robert Bonner's move to MacMillan Bloedel. Relations with Vancouver press. W.A.C. Bennett and his style of leadership. TRACK 2: More details on Bennett and personal relationship between Bennett and Williston. Debt reduction schemes in the 1950s. The Kelowna "bondfire". Anecdotes about Williston's friend and industrialist, Ben Ginter: the construction industry; starting in the brewing business. Constituency relations. Williston's role in establishing a flag for B.C. Mobil cabinet meetings. The "George E.P. Jones case". CALL NUMBER: T1375:0029 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Personal Reflections PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: No lack of new ideas in the later years. Williston maintained good health throughout his period as minister. Involved with the YMCA in Victoria. Williston planning to retire within a few years of 1972 election. Regrets having little time for his family. Williston describes typical working day. Did not socialize with Bennett. Few social relations between ministers in the Socred government. Williston moved permanently to Victoria in 1954. Williston's close personal friends with Harold Moffat and family. Hobby of photography. Williston's attitudes on alcohol. Heavy demands for personal appearance. TRACK 2: Comments about changes as a result of 20 years in public life. Lack of concern about personal safety. Summation.

Real islanders

The item is a promotional video from 1991. It shows Ministry of Transportation and Highways employees on Vancouver Island in their various work situations. Includes an original song written by Scott Littlejohn and Tom Parkin, and sung by Bobby Teesdale.

Records of the Colony of Vancouver Island Treasury

  • GR-4218
  • Series
  • 1860-1866

This series consists of a variety of records related to the Colony of Vancouver Island Treasury from 1853-1866. The majority of the records are various receipts, expenditures, estimates and financial statements of accounts. Accounts relate to a wide variety of government expenses, particularly those of the Land Office and transactions with the Hudson's Bay Company.

Other records include: a 1859 return of officers submitted to the Legislative Assembly detailing all employees of the colony, including their names, title, salary and remarks; an 1860 index of letters outwards including the date and subject; and a copy of the 1866 budget act with associated schedules.

Vancouver Island (Colony). Treasury

Staff orientation

The item consists of a video tape created by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways, Manpower Planning and Staff Development office in 1982. It contains a training video for Ministry staff to explain to staff about who works for the Ministry and what they do as well as basic information for new staff. The video is a combination of moving image footage set to music and still images with voice over explanations. The video was produced by the B.C. Government TV Production Centre and broadcast by the Knowledge Network.

Testimonial to John A. Anderson

Testimonial with nineteen signatures, presented to John A. Anderson on his retirement from the British Columbia civil service, May 13, 1913. Water colour cartoon of J.A. Anderson.

Presented by Mrs. S.R. Anderson, Victoria, 1977 (transferred from Visual Records).

The office of the future

Instructional video. Office systems development within the B.C. government. Includes many shots of government offices and employees from different ministries. Focuses on the development of office systems and possible future developments.

W.A.C. Bennett interview : [Mitchell, 1976-1978 : part 1]

CALL NUMBER: T1675:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The early years and family background of W.A.C. Bennett, 1900-1930 PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1930 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-05-12 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his early years, the background of his family in New Brunswick, family relationships and early education. First interest in politics. Recollections of political figures. Apprenticeship in the hardware business. Moving to Edmonton after the First World War. Religious and business activities in Edmonton. Attitudes towards tobacco and alcohol. Meeting his future wife, Annie Elizabeth May Richards. Moving to British Columbia, 1930. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): British Columbia politics from the 1930s to the Second World War PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1939 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-08 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses British Columbia politics during the 1930s and comments on the personalities and political styles of Premiers Simon Fraser Tolmie and T.D. Pattullo. W.A.C. Bennett recounts his first involvement in provincial politics as a Conservative. Elected in 1941 in South Okanagan. Pattullo and the Rowell-Sirois Commission. Reasons why Pattullo was "turned out" by his own party. Formation of the coalition. Social Credit and economics during the Depression in the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0015 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and Coalition politics in B.C., 1941-1951 PERIOD COVERED: 1941-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-08 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his service as an MLA on the Post-War Rehabilitation Council. The effect of Pat Maitland's death on the Coalition government. Bennett comments on his increasing disillusionment with the Coalition government which precipitated his crossing of the floor of the House in 1951. The 1948 Yale by-election. Bennett recollects his first attempt to enter politics in 1937. The origins of the single transferable ballot. Socialism and Social Credit. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0016 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett recalls the political battles of 1952 and 1975 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-12-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett recalls his response to the criticisms which were levelled at him after joining the Social Credit party. Attitudes towards the press. Comments on Tilly Rolston and the importance of her defection from the ranks of the Coalition government and decision to join Social Credit. The relationship between the Alberta Social Credit party and the fledgling Socred movement in B.C. Events surrounding Bennett's decision to join Social Credit. TRACK 2: Comments on the Social Credit convention of December 1951 and Bennett's decision not to run for the campaign leadership of the party. The meeting after the 1952 election at the Hotel Vancouver at which W.A.C. Bennett was chosen as leader of the Social Credit party. The 1952 election campaign. The importance of hospital insurance as an issue in the campaign. Anecdote about a campaign meeting at Golden where Bennett was confronted by Liberal hecklers led by Tom King. Religion and its importance in Social Credit election victories. Grace McCarthy, Dan Campbell and the rebuilding of the Social Credit party after the 1972 election defeat. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0017 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and Social Credit's rise to power in B.C., 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-12-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett recalls further aspects of the 1952 election campaign. Albertan Socreds in the election campaign. Political organization in the 1952 campaign. Waiting to be called upon to form a government. The role of leadership in politics. Lieutenant-Governor Clarence Wallace and the constitutional problem posed by the outcome of the election. Bennett assembles his prospective ministers in Victoria and prepares to assume office. Meeting with Clarence Wallace. Swearing in the new government. Tom Uphill's mistake. TRACK 2: Comments on the problem within Socred ranks after forming government. Social Credit was one coalition replacing another. Government and patronage. The importance of Bennett in the Socred victory. The role of the single transferable ballot. The Socreds were a "people's government". Economic development in British Columbia since 1952: the Columbia River Treaty, the two-rivers policy, the genesis of the homeowners' grant and parity bonds. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0018 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the consolidation of power, 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the decline of the Coalition government in B.C. Reform elements within the Coalition. The Esquimalt by-election of 1951. Commander A.C. Wurtele and his reluctance to ;run as an independent candidate. The Esquimalt by-election campaign. The importance of the by-election. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett discusses joining the Social Credit party. The influence of Eric Martin. The financial state of British Columbia's government at the time he assumed office, August 1952. Advice given to cabinet colleagues. Problems associated with acquiring legislative seats for Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Relations with the provincial civil service after forming the government. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0019 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the Socreds' first session in the B.C. Legislature, 1953 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses problems he encountered after forming B.C.'s first Social Credit government, August, 1952. Problems within the Social Credit party. Relations with opposition parties in the House. The appeal of Social Credit. Einar Gunderson and his role in government. Robert Sommers and the Doukhobor issue. Meeting with Premier Manning in Edmonton, December 1952. Comments on the first session of the B.C. legislature presided over by a Socred administration, 1953. TRACK 2: Choosing a Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Coordination of House strategy with the Socred caucus. Initiation of pay-as-you-go policies for government expenditures. Harold Winch as Leader of the Opposition. The defeat of the Socred government in the House on the Rolston Formula. Preparation for defeat. Events following the defeat of the government in the House. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0020 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the 1953 provincial election PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the effect of not being called upon to form a government on Harold Winch. The provincial election campaign, 1953. The effect of the transferable ballot. Relations with the federal Social Credit party. Support of Real Caouette for the leadership of the federal party. Reasons for success in the 1953 election. Preference for use of the title "Prime Minister". Effects of becoming Premier on personal life. [TRACK 2: blank.]

Wesley Black interview : [Langlois, 1975 : part 1]

CALL NUMBER: T1410:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Personal history and teaching experience PERIOD COVERED: 1925-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: Wesley Drewett Black describes: his early career in the teaching profession; his service in B.C. at Newlands, Giscome, Britannia Beach and Creston. Joined Social Credit party in 1951 and attended early Socred organization meetings in this year. He was a winning candidate for the Socreds in the 1952 provincial election in the Nelson-Creston constituency. Appointed Provincial Secretary in July 1952. Mr. Black reflects upon the first Social Credit cabinet in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.D. Black's contribution to the first and second W.A.C. Bennett governments PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: W.D. Black continues to discuss the first Social Credit administration in B.C. in 1952. He reflects upon the defeat of this minority government and their subsequent re-election in 1953. Black recalls in detail the underlying political climate during this era in B.C. history. He discusses in detail the problems he encountered in improving mental health policy in B.C. during the early period of the second W.A.C. Bennett government. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Administrative problems and policy, 1953-54 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1954 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: W.D. Black continues his explanation of the reforms that he implemented in the civil service after 1953 when he was Provincial Secretary. Discussion of life as a cabinet minister. Reference to changes in legislative procedures and the electoral process. Discussion of the implementation of Social Credit policies during 1953-54. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Role of the civil service, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses the civil service 1952-72. The problem of coming to grips with the civil service upon taking office. The work of the Stevenson Kellogg Co. in studying the civil service. The development of programs and pension plans for the civil service. TRACK 2: Also discusses the growth of the B.C. Government Employees Association. The one day strike of the association is discussed. The implications of the Carruthers Report, and relations between the government and the association. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Development of medicare PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses: relations with the press; workload as a cabinet minister and travel demands; the Columbia River Basin development on his constituency; road building programs. TRACK 2: Black describes the development of a provincial medicare plan, the problems of devising a comprehensive medicare scheme, and relation with the medical profession. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Implementation of medicare plan PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses the final stages in the development of the Medical Services Plan of B.C., and the legislation that brought the plan into being. W.D. Black appointed as Minister of Health to implement plan. Negotiations with Ottawa to bring the plan under the national scheme's framework. TRACK 2: The Sommers scandal and the charges made by Gordon Gibson Sr. regarding payoffs in the granting of forest management licenses. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1958 Centennial PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Plans for the 1958 Centennial under the direction of L.J. Wallace and W.D. Black. Discussion of W.A.C. Bennett's concept of Northern Development. TRACK 2: Mr. Black's attention to constituency matters during his period in office. The development of regional districts in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Woodlands School, Hansard, civil defense, and the B.C. flag PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses Woodlands School and problems with the press regarding it. Development of a legislative Hansard for B.C. The 1958 ferry strike and the development of the idea for a B.C. ferry system. The origination of the official B.C. flag. TRACK 2: Discussion of civil defense, the building of fall-out shelters and the problems of getting people involved in civil defense. Discussion of the 1960 provincial election and elections in general.

Results 31 to 60 of 63