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University of British Columbia Universities and colleges--British Columbia
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Department of Education correspondence files

  • GR-0151
  • Series
  • 1962-1968

This record series was maintained by the Administrative Services Branch of the Department of Education and relates to almost every facet of the Department's work. It includes correspondence of the Minister and department staff with the public and associations such as the B.C. Parent Teacher Federation, B.C. School Trustee's Association, B.C. Teachers' Federation and Canadian Association for Adult Education as well as correspondence with educational institutions including private schools, colleges and universities.

There are also 12 architectural drawings of schools, removed and given map registration numbers 24231C - 24242C.

The results of school trustee elections in B.C., 1962-1966, are also included in this collection in box 30.

British Columbia. Dept. of Education

Department of Education executive records

  • GR-0152
  • Series
  • 1960-1963

This record series is composed of the 1960-1963 files of the then Minister of Education, the Hon. Leslie Peterson. The files contain his ministerial correspondence and briefs that he received as a member of the cabinet. The filing system is not consistent over the four years.

The files contain material on almost all types of education activity in the province including home economics, correspondence schools, curriculum, community programs, private schools, technical and vocational education, text books, tests, standards and measurements, religious education, teacher recruitment, the school attendance of Doukhobor children and other subjects. They also contain correspondence with the B.C. Parent Teacher Federation, the B.C. School Trustees Association, the B.C. Teacher's Federation, the Canadian Education Association, the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, Jericho Hill School for the deaf and blind and other interest groups and educational institutions.

British Columbia. Dept. of Education

Dr. Patrick McGeer : [press conferences, etc., 1977 & 1978]

CALL NUMBER: T0999:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Comments on the Gaudry report and on the funding of research and education RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-02-04 SUMMARY: Comments on the Gaudry Report and the funding of higher education and research in BC. February 4, 1977. CALL NUMBER: T0999:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): McGeer meets PTA and announces financial aid to independent schools RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-02 & 03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Minister of Education Pat McGeer addresses a meeting of the BC Parent Teacher Association, February 16, 1977. TRACK 2: McGeer announces the government's intention to give financial aid to independent schools, March 30, 1977. CALL NUMBER: T0999:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Pat McGeer on aid to independent schools and UBC Hospital RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Minister of Education Pat McGeer rejects demands from the NDP to hold a referendum on the issue of financial aid to independent schools, 1977. TRACK 2: McGeer denies the NDP charge that the new teaching hospital at UBC is sitting idle due to a dispute between McGeer and Health Minister Bob McClelland, June 22, 1977. CALL NUMBER: T0999:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Pat McGeer on BC core curriculum (1977) and ICBC annual report (1978) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-11 & 1978-04-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: McGeer announces that the cabinet has approved a core curriculum for the BC public school system. Although this core curriculum is confined to education in the English language, McGeer says that a French language core curriculum will be adopted "in the not-too-distant future". August 11, 1977. TRACK 2: [Begins with some unrelated and unidentifiable interviews.] McGeer comments on the release of ICBC's fifth annual report. McGeer says that the report shows that ICBC is "in excellent financial shape" and, in fact, has a $59 million surplus. On the other hand, McGeer says, bodily injury claims rose so drastically that the corporation recorded a slight deficit in the last fiscal year -- a deficit that was offset by the surplus of the year before. April 24, 1978.

Fred McNeil interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Fred McNeil : the Sopron University School of Forestry in B.C., 1957-60 PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1960-01-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The story of the mass immigration to the Sopron University School of Forestry in Vancouver (UBC) in 1956-57. The roles of the Canadian government, UBC, and Harold Foley of the Powell River Company. Problems of establishment in Canada. Adjustment problems. The group established at a Powell River Company camp near Powell River. TRACK 2: More on adjustment problems. Establishing the Sopron University Forestry School at UBC. (End of interview)

George S. Allen interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): George S. Allen : the Sopron School of Forestry at UBC, 1957-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1960-01-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The story of mass immigration to Canada of the Sopron University School of Forestry, Hungary. Problems and logistics of the move. The condition of the refugees in Austria. Relocation at Powell River. Absorbing the Sopron School as part of UBC Faculty of Forestry. TRACK 2: Job placement for Sopron graduates. (End of interview)

Harold S. Foley interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Harold S. Foley : the Sopron University Forestry School in B.C., 1957-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1960-01-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Harold Foley tells of the decision to aid the Sopron University School of Forestry (from Hungary) to establish itself in British Columbia, 1956-57. (End of interview);

Leslie Peterson interview

CALL NUMBER: T3330:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Background, education and military service of Les Peterson PERIOD COVERED: 1923-1946 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-09-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses his personal and family background: growing up in rural Alberta; religious influences and early political interests. Recollections of political figures prominent in Alberta in the 1930s. Peterson's education: Alice Hill School, Viking, Alberta -- the proverbial single-room schoolhouse; high school in Viking; Camrose Lutheran College, Camrose Alberta. Extracurricular activities and first working experience. TRACK 2: Leslie Peterson recounts his experience working for the CN Express in Edmonton as a young man. Working for the railroad in Terrace, B.C., and enlisting in the army at Prince Rupert. Recollections of service in the army: training and service in the Coast Artillery at Prince Rupert; attendance at McGill University in the Army Service course and memories of Montreal and friendships made there; service overseas in England and travels on the continent. Peterson was in Europe on Armistice Day. Before returning to Canada in 1946 he attended the University of London for a year. Return to Canada, discharge from army and decision to enroll in law school at the University of British Columbia. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Legal and political training PERIOD COVERED: 1946-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-09-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses his first impressions of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia. Comments on the experience of a war veteran attending university after World War Two. Recollections of three years at U.B.C. law school. Peterson was called to the bar in 1949 and begun his own practice in Vancouver. Discussion of the nature of his law practice. Marriage to Agnes Rose Hine in 1950 and comments on Peterson's family. Comments on politics in B.C. during the Coalition era. TRACK 2: Peterson explains how he became interested in and involved with the Social Credit movement. Reaction to the 1952 provincial election. During the 1953 provincial election, Peterson served as campaign manager for North Vancouver Socred candidate George Tomlinson. Peterson was the unsuccessful; Social Credit candidate in the 1953 federal election in the Vancouver-Centre constituency. Impressions and recollections of W.A.C. Bennett. Peterson became involved in politics more by accident than by design. Discussion of how he came to be elected in the 1956 by-election in Vancouver-Centre. First impressions as a Social Credit MLA. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): From MLA to Minister of Education PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-10-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses his first impressions as an MLA and his recollections of the Social Credit caucus. Comments on the leadership style of W.A.C. Bennett. The problems of representing an urban constituency in B.C. and Peterson's theory of democratic representation. Comments on the 1956 provincial election campaign. The problems of co-ordinating an election campaign in a dual-member constituency. The efficacy of the Socred campaign slogan: "Progress not Politics". Free enterprise versus socialism as a recurring fundamental issue in B.C. elections. TRACK 2: Leslie Peterson remarks upon the possibility of supporting the Conservatives or Liberals as free enterprise alternatives. The polarization of politics in B.C. The results of the 1956 provincial election and Peterson's success in Vancouver-Centre. Reaction to appointment as Minister of Education, 1956. Description of duties and functions of Minister of Education. Peterson served as Minister of Education during a period of great growth. Comments on the administration of the Education portfolio, 1956-68. The Department of Education was administered by a small group of able men in a very personal style. The problem of delegation of authority. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of the administration of the Department of Education, 1956-68 PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-10-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses further aspects of the administration of the Education portfolio. The relationship between the formulation and execution of government policy in the Department of Education. The problem of teacher shortages in British Columbia in the '50s and '60s. Relations with the B.C. Teachers Federation. Discussion of the increasing cost of education in British Columbia, 195;6-68. The financial policies of the Social Credit government and the goal of debt reduction. Financing of school construction under the Social Credit government. Comments on the issues of centralization and decentralization of British Columbia's educational system. TRACK 2: Further comments on the policy of debt-reduction. Recollections of coming before the Treasury Board as Minister of Education. The process of producing a departmental budget. Peterson describes the experience of coming before Treasury Board as a fairly informal affair. Discussion of the operation of cabinet under the leadership of W.A.C. Bennett. The Premier was intolerant on questions of morality, otherwise he was quite flexible on matters of policy. Attitude toward cabinet committees. Important consultation on policy matters often took place outside of cabinet. The Social Credit government was operated by a relatively small group of elected and non-elected officials. Changing impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Further aspects of education in British Columbia PERIOD COVERED: 1958-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses the Chant Report of 1958 which called for less frills in education. The Doukhobor problem in British Columbia and the Department of Education. Discussion of trip to Europe in 1959 to examine various European school systems. Medical problems during Peterson's career. Assumption of the responsibilities for the education of the mentally retarded in British Columbia, 1960. The issue of federal assistance for education in British Columbia. Education and federal-provincial relations. Problems serving in a dual cabinet portfolio, Education and Labour. TRACK 2: Coordination of Labour and Education departments. Political oratory and attitudes towards parliamentary institutions. Relations with the University of British Columbia and explanation of the system of grants to universities. Comments on charges of anti-intellectualism which were levelled against the Social Credit government. The Macdonald plan for the growth of higher education in B.C. and the subsequent development of universities and regional colleges in the province. The building of Simon Fraser University. The role of W.A.C. Bennett in the expansion of educational opportunities in B.C. All-night sittings and the issue of "legislation by exhaustion". CALL NUMBER: T3330:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of government in B.C. and appointment as Minister of Labour, 1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses the issue of all-night sittings in the B.C. legislature. The absence of question period and Hansard in the House during the years of the first Social Credit government. Recollections of the Sommers affair and its effect on the government. The timing of the 1960 provincial election. Recollections of the 1960 election campaign. The take-over of B.C. Electric Co. and reaction in government circles. TRACK 2: The background to Peterson's appointment as Minister of Labour, 1960. Reasons for serving in a dual portfolio. Administration of the Department of Labour. Duties and functions of the Minister of Labour. Comments on the distinctiveness of the labour movement in B.C. Views on labour-management relations. The effect of being branded an "anti-labour government". The relationship between organized labour and the NDP in B.C. and its effects on Peterson as Minister of Labour. The role and function of labour unions. Speculation as to why British Columbians have been reluctant to admit voting for Social Credit. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Labour law disputes and labour relations in B.C., 1960-1971 PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1971 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses the effects of labour legislation which he passed through the B.C. Legislature as Minister of Labour. Bill 42, 1961, and the relationship between organized labour and the NDP. The issue of union payroll deductions being used for political purposes. The Mediation Commission Act, 1968 (Bill 33) and the issue of compulsory arbitration. Use of the power of binding arbitration. Relationship with leaders of organized labour in British Columbia. Comments on the growth and development of the labour movement in B.C. during the years Peterson served as Minister of Labour. Premier W.A.C. Bennett's role in labour matters. TRACK 2: The Premier's attitude towards labour-management relations may have been harsher and more direct than Peterson's. The importance of timing in government interventions in labour-management relations. The occasion when Peterson and Bennett visited the home of J.V. Clyne in an effort to assist in the settling of a labour dispute which was crippling the coast forest industry. The 1971 BCFL-sponsored demonstration at the opening of the legislative session. The amount of labour legislation increased significantly in B.C. during Peterson's tenure as Minister of Labour. Peterson's legacy to labour-management relations in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Conventions, elections and Social Credit policies PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses his role and involvement within the Social Credit party. The relationship between the party executive and the government. Comments on the differences between using the phrases "movement", "league" or "party" in describing Social Credit in B.C. The roles of the Women's Auxiliary and the Young Socreds. The relationship between the B.C. and Alberta Social Credit parties. The relationship between the B.C. Social Credit Party and the national party. The 1962 national Social Credit leadership convention at which Robert Thompson was made leader. Reasons for supporting Real Caouette over Robert Thompson. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett and national Social Credit politics. The question of possible irregularities at the 1962 national Socred convention. Reasons for the lack of success of the national Social Credit Party in Canada. Recollections of the 1963 election campaign. Evaluation of the challenge by the Conservatives under the leadership of Davie Fulton. Reasons for the failure of third party challenges in British Columbia. The 1966 provincial election and Peterson's switch to the riding of Vancouver-Little Mountain. Comments on dual-member riding. Election funding and the B.C. Free Enterprise Educational Fund. Peterson's interest and involvement in promoting the Bank of British Columbia. Relations with Vancouver municipal politicians. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Life as Attorney-General and the defeat of the Socreds, 1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses the effect of the resignation of Robert Bonner in 1968. The following cabinet shuffle and Peterson's assumption of the portfolio of Attorney-General. The duties and functions of the Attorney-General. Administration of the department of the Attorney-General. Relationship with Deputy Attorney-General. Federal-provincial relations, the process of constitutional review and the failure of the Victoria Charter, 1971. The development and advocacy of the five-regions idea. The 1969 constitutional conference in Ottawa. The 1969 provincial election. Evaluation of the leadership of the NDP under Strachan and Berger. The liquor ad ban, 1971, and its effect on the demise of the government. Moral issues in politics. TRACK 2: Peterson's defence of W.A.C. Bennett after he was referred to as a bigot by Prime Minister Trudeau. Contributing factors to the defeat of the Social Credit government in 1972. Anecdote about meeting the Premier at the PNE during the election campaign and warning him that things were not going well. The effect of losing in his own riding, Vancouver-Little Mountain. Comments on the question of succeeding W.A.C. Bennett as leader of the Soci;al Credit Party. Comments on Bill Bennett and his entry into B.C. politics. The threat of the Majority Movement to the revival of the Social Credit Party in B.C.. (End of interview)

Orson Banfield interview

CALL NUMBER: T0511:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): History of Vancouver General Hospital since 1904 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1973 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Early life in Vancouver. Parents' interest in community activities, ca. 1904. Description of VGH, ca. 1910. Hospital Board meetings. The Veteran's Hospital, 1918. Construction problems at VGH;. Activities of the Women's Auxiliary. Education of O.W. Banfield. Description of the UBC facilities, ca. 1908. McGill University association with UBC. TRACK 2: Extra-curricular activities at UBC, 19;19-22. Description of the Hospital Campus. Banfield appointment to the VGH Hospital Board. Hospital problems during 1940s. Role of various aldermen on the Hospital Board. Influence of the Medical Board on hospital policy, 1940-55. CALL NUMBER: T0511:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Administration of the Hospital Board and VGH Medical Facilities RECORDED: [location unknown], 1973 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The Blue Cross Hospital Insurance program. Effects of the Blue Cross system on the VGH, 1942-48. Mr. L. Hickernell as VGH Chief Administrator. The VGH Board during 1940s. Bequests and donations to the VGH, 1940-55. VGH association with the UBC Medical facility, ca. 1948. VGH medical staff involvement with UBC Medical School. Creation of the Children's Hospital. TRACK 2: The problem of location for the Children's Hospital, ca. 1945-50. Vancouver city contributions to the VGH, 1940-60. Relations between VGH and St. Paul's Hospital. Construction programs at the VGH. Construction of the Nurse's Residence. Function of the Building Committee. CALL NUMBER: T0511:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Planning and function of the VGH, 1948-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1973 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The work of Mr. Leon Hickernell as Executive Director of the VGH. VGH development of facilities. VGH organization of departments. The problem of growth at VGH. The continuing problem of hospital finances. Race relations at VGH. The Medical Board and the VGH Board of Trustees, 1955. Dr. Ranta joins the VGH, 1955. Planning the Centennial Pavilion. TRACK 2: The official meetings of the Building Committee. Designing VGH as a provincial health centre. Problem of provincial government recognition for VGH as an acute care facility. The work of the Executive Committee during the tenure of Mr. Leon Hickernell. Partisan politics at the Board level. CALL NUMBER: T0511:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The job of Hospital Administrator at the VGH RECORDED: [location unknown], 1973 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Choosing the Hospital Board Chairman, 1957. Duties of the Board Chairman. Duties of the Medical Board and the Board of Trustees. Changes in the role of the Executive Chairman. Provincial government obstruction of the VGH development plans. Banfield's relationship with Eric Martin. Board relations with the Medical staff. Board handling of Public Relations. Board relations with the mass media. TRACK 2: Development of the University Hospital. Development of the Centennial Pavilion. The powers of the Hospital Board Chairman. Conducting Annual Board meetings. Politics at the Hospital Board level. The retirement of Mr. L. Hickernell of the VGH. Dr. L.E. Ranta's position in the VGH administration. Early departmentalization of the VGH. Duties of the Director of Nursing. CALL NUMBER: T0511:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Past Chairmen of the VGH Board of Trustees RECORDED: [location unknown], 1973 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: George Miller, chairman of the VGH Board. Characterizations of Mr. Des Brisay and Mr. Dal Grauer. Description of Mr. Sandy Wright. Chairman Larry B. Jack. Chairman William Street. Characterization of Treasurer Tom Dickson. Various Chairmen of the VGH Medical Board. Dr. Gilles, Dr. G.F. Strong, Dr. Hodgins, the Hamilton Report. TRACK 2: Meetings between the VGH Medical Board and the Board of Trustees. Final impressions on the work with the VGH Board. (End of interview)

Robert Knight interview

CALL NUMBER: T4044:0001 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1983-02-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: family background; father's work as school inspector in India; Anglo-Indian upbringing in Calcutta and England; memories of prep school and schooldays at Oundle; recollections of Oundle School headmaster, F.W. Sanderson and assessment of Sanderson's international reputation as educator; studies at Cambridge University; decision to settle on Vancouver Island; chicken ranching at Errington; interlude as harvester on prairies, 1926; teaching experiences at Shawnigan Lake Boys' School (SLS), 1927-29; impressions of SLS founder, C.W. Lonsdale. TRACK 2: Discusses: recollections of SLS and Lonsdale (cont'd); reasons for continuing studies at Victoria College and UBC, 1931-33; anecdotes and reminiscences of Walter Gage, G.G. Sedgewick, Gordon Shrum, Freddy Wood, and other contrasts between UBC and Cambridge; decision to open private school at Qualicum Beach, 1935; early difficulties attendant upon building and locating school; philosophy and educational ideals of Qualicum College (QC) inspired by Oundle and Sanderson. Assistance received from brother, G.H. Knight, and A.D. Muskett, Victoria schoolmaster, in establishing QC. CALL NUMBER: T4044:0002 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1983-02-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: philosophy of Qualicum College (cont'd); first students and characteristics, family background of other students; attitudes of local community towards QC; recruiting campaigns to increase enrollment; curriculum of QC and daily routine; importance of organized games in school life; importance of discipline on boys and folly of modern permissive views of education; description of specially-made birch cane used in QC. TRACK 2: Discusses: origins and significance of school traditions, uniforms, school motto, song, prefectorial system, etc; value of school cadet corps; humorous; recollections of staff members and student pranks; contacts with Fairbridge Farm School, Duncan, and relations between QC and other private schools in B.C.; relationship with provincial Department of Education; hopes for science labs and other school facilities; reasons for closing school in 1970; reflections on career as scholar, sportsman and educationalist. (End of interview)

University of British Columbia spring congregation : [excerpt]

SUMMARY: Part of proceedings of the University Spring Congregation, including singing of "O Canada"; welcome speech by E.W. Hamber, Chancellor of the University; conferring of honorary degrees upon Walter Woods, Deputy Minister of Veteran's Affairs, and Bernard Heinze, Australian conductor; and speech by Deputy Minister Woods about the development of the University, veterans, enrollment in universities, World War II and the Canadian war effort.

University roundup, 1949-02-07

SUMMARY: Air check of program sponsored by U.B.C. Radio Society. Student panelists discuss the topic "Can the international student exchange system work?";

Webster! : 1979-01-15

Public affairs. Jack Webster's popular weekday morning talk show. Guests and topics for this episode are: Arthur Hailey talks about writing his novel "Overload", based on the electricity production industry in California. Environmentalism and technology are also discussed. Dr. Robert Jordan, head of UBC’s English department, and Dr. Andrew Parkin, chairman of UBC First Year English, state that the reading and writing skills of first year students are not meeting university standards. A competent level of English comprehension is discussed as a requirement for entering UBC.