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Orders in Council

  • GR-0113
  • Series
  • 1872-2009

The series consists of Orders in Council (OIC) created between 1872 and 2009, arranged numerically by year and then by OIC number. The series also includes some maps and text attachments which were transferred in 1974 from the Dept. of the Provincial Secretary. An Order in Council is a directive issued by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of Cabinet authorizing certain actions, including creating simple legislation and granting political appointments.

Containers 941119-0002, 941119-0004, and 941119-0006 contain proclamations. These ledgers include a copy of the Order in Council relating to the proclamation and a copy of the proclamation. Each book contains an index listing both the OIC number and the subject of the proclamation.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Attorney-General

Executive Council correspondence and briefs

  • GR-0142
  • Series
  • 1947-1972

The series consists of correspondence accompanying briefs presented to the Executive Council. A chronological list appears in box 1 file 1. The briefs themselves have been removed by the Legislative Library and catalogued in their main catalogue under the organization or individual presenting the brief.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Provincial Secretary correspondence

  • GR-0157
  • Series
  • 1913-1916

The series consists of correspondence, 1913-1916, that was originally a part of the Provincial Secretary's Central Registry. The records include grant applications from charitable organizations (e.g. Salvation Army Rescue and Maternity Home, Vancouver); petitions from various citizens groups and trades organizations (e.g. re: Pacific Great Eastern railway, prohibition, and Weekly Half Holiday Act); plus files on diverse topics such as the Belgian Relief Fund (which was administered by the Provincial Secretary), the Progress Club of Vancouver, the provincial coat-of-arms, prohibition, half-day closing, the Provincial Archives and W.W. Walkem's "Stories of Early British Columbia".

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Lieutenant Governor's records

  • GR-0443
  • Series
  • 1871-1936

This series consists of papers of the Lieutenant-Governors of British Columbia. Includes transcripts of telegrams between Victoria and Ottawa, letterbook copies of official despatches outward (1871-1881), despatches inward from Governor General, Secretary of State, and Senior Naval Officer, Esquimalt (1871-1918), along with official correspondence from British Columbia government ministries and departments (1874-1919). Also includes miscellaneous, general, and semi- official correspondence inward, addresses, petitions, and memorials, (1872-1936). Records have been organized into five sub-series:

Letterbook copies of official correspondence outward (1896-1919) are on microfilm. Volume 5 (Feb - Dec 1902) and Volume 17 (1915) were missing at the time of filming. Date ranges correspond to the microfilm box labels.

Correspondence Inward: Despatches from the Canadian Government Secretary of State for the Provinces. Official correspondence from the Dominion of Canada to the Province of British Columbia. Files include minutes and reports of Privy Council, memoranda from the Colonial Secretary (London), and other government correspondence relating to British Columbia.

Miscellaneous correspondence inward. Variously entitled "All & Sundry", and "Tout le Monde", files include communications from Colonial Secretary (London) federal and provincial government officials, British consulates and embassies, and Lieutenant Governors of other provinces. Correspondence also includes petitions, memorials, and addresses, letters from private persons and circulars.

General Correspondence inward (I): Unlike volumes 58-65 above, general correspondence files include official despatches from Secretary of State, Ottawa, with official communications from BC government ministries and departments. Files include replies to correspondents.

General Correspondence (II) - Subject Files

British Columbia. Lieutenant Governor

Executive Council records

  • GR-0444
  • Series
  • 1859-1913

This series consists of records of the Executive Council, 1859-1913. Records include minutes of Colonial and Provincial Executive Council, ministerial reports, State Books, orders-in-council, registers, and indices (1859-1913), along with petitions, dispatches, and correspondence inward to Lieutenant- Governor in Council (1871-1909).

The Executive Council papers are among the most important of the early provincial government records held by the B.C. Archives. The value of the papers stems from the fact that the Council itself is the most important and influential level of government in the province. It is at the Executive Council level that government policies and regulations are discussed, formulated, and implemented; it is at this level that decisions are made regarding the overall running of the province. During the the period covered by GR-0444, it was also the responsibility of the Executive Council to handle the many contentious issues which affected Dominion-Provincial and Imperial-Provincial relations.

The Executive Council received and considered virtually all of the dispatches sent to the Lieutenant-Governor from Ottawa or London. Most of the petitions and memorials submitted by individuals or groups in the province to the Lieutenant-Governor were considered by the Council, too. In addition, the Executive Council dealt with correspondence from private citizens, as well as reports emanating from government ministries, departments, and agencies. In short, the Executive Council dealt with a myriad of issues - as is evidenced by the volume, range, and diversity of the papers in this record group.

Since the cabinet is the executive arm of the government, it has the authority to enact regulations, as defined by the Regulations Act (RS 1979 c. 361), Regulations, so defined, include rules, orders, proclamations, and bylaws of a legislative nature, made under or by the authority of any act passed by the legislative assembly. Among the regulations are Orders-in-Council which are formally described as "official documents promulgating Government decisions concerned with the day-to-day operation of the Province. Researchers consulting GR-0444 should note that Orders-in-Council are made under the authority of the Lieutenant-Governor or, more precisely, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. The latter implies the Lieutenant Governor acting by and with the advice of, or by and with the advice and consent or in conjunction with, the Executive Council" (Interpretation Act, RS 1979, c.206). Thus, the term "Lieutenant-Governor in Council" occurs frequently with reference to business conducted by what is otherwise known as the Executive Council, or cabinet.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Correspondence and other material regarding oaths

  • GR-0586
  • Series
  • 1890-1972

This series consists of correspondence relating to the issuance of commissions to members of the Executive Council, to the oath of allegiance taken by cabinet ministers, and to royal toasts; index and registers of oaths of office and oaths of allegiance of members of the Executive Council.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Record of appeals

  • GR-0617
  • Series
  • 1952-1954

This series consists of record of appeals heard by the Executive Council.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Correspondence from convention held at Harrison Hot Springs

  • GR-0700
  • Series
  • 1946

This series consists of eight pages of correspondence regarding subjects arising from the convention held at Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., September 23, 24 and 25, 1946 to be submitted to the Hon. the Premier and the Cabinet by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Schedule referred to in order-in-council No. 911

  • GR-0931
  • Series
  • 1923

This series consists of a photocopy of the schedule referred to in order-in-council No. 911, approved 26 July 1923 regarding confirmation of reserves, reduction of cut-offs, new reserves as a result of work of [William E.] Ditchburn [and Col. J.W.] Clark, to amend work of the Commission on Indian Lands and Indian Affairs in General in British Columbia, 1913-1916. This document is commonly known as the Ditchburn-Clark Report.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Executive Council transcripts of appeals

  • GR-1032
  • Series
  • 1976-1981

This series contains transcripts of appeals brought before cabinet, 26 July 1976 - 2 July 1981. Appeals herein initiated under authority of British Columbia: Dentistry Act, Pollution Control Act, Private Investigators' Licensing Act, Motor Carrier Act, and Water Act.

Cabinet appeals 1976-1981

Tape recordings of appeals herein transferred to PABC Sound and Moving Image Division (Acc. # 3912:1-81).

British Columbia. Executive Council

Records related to land disputes arising from conflicting claims and applications for the purchase of unsurveyed lands and pastoral lands

  • GR-1045
  • Series
  • 1890-1891

Records related to land disputes arising from conflicting claims and applications for the purchase of unsurveyed lands and pastoral lands in the vicinity of Port Simpson, Coast Land District. Includes correspondence, applications, sketches, and a copy of a report of the Executive Council dated 13 May 1891.

British Columbia. Dept. of Lands and Works

Minutes and other material

  • GR-1198
  • Series
  • 1888-1896

This series contains minutes from the Executive Council meetings. Records of interest in this series include minutes "relative to the Indian troubles on the Skeena River," from 1888.; dispatches, reports, and correspondence concerning the relocation of Songhees Indian reserve, 1893-1896. The series also includes a copy of the Report on British Columbia for Royal Colonial Institute (for use in British elementary schools), 1884.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Hearing records

  • GR-1239
  • Series
  • 1952

This series contains transcripts of hearings before the Minister of Lands and Forests and the Cabinet regarding the application of Celgar Ltd. for a Forest Management Licence (1952) in the Arrow Lakes.

British Columbia. Forest Service

Correspondence and other material

  • GR-1311
  • Series
  • 1946-1947

This series contains correspondence and briefs submitted to the Executive Council. It includes applications and appeals pertaining to the Pacific Great Eastern Railway, Seaboard Distributors Ltd., Blunden Harbour Land Company Ltd., and sundry miscellaneous organizations.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Papers relating to the Government Committee on ship-building

  • GR-1508
  • Series
  • 1915-1916

This series contains papers relating to the Government Committee on ship-building. The committee was formed by Premier Sir Richard McBride in 1915, after considerable lobbying on the part of shipyards, lumber interests, and local Boards of Trade. The committee was chaired by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Charles E. Tisdall. In January 1916 the committee issued a circular letter asking ship-owners, builders, brokers, etc. their views as to the best means of developing a merchant marine. The committee received a large number of replies, offering advice on the costs of construction, hull designs, the merits of wooden vs. steel ships, marine engine types, government subsidies, and related issues. The government subsequently introduced the B.C. Shipping Act [BCS, 1916, c. 57] which established the B.C. Shipping Commission, an agency authorized to provide loans, subsidies, and other assistance to the marine industry. The act was repealed in 1922.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Executive Council minute book

  • GR-1510
  • Series
  • 1916-1917

This series contains the minute book of the Executive Council for the period 29 November 1916 to 19 January 1917.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Executive Council records

  • GR-1535
  • Series
  • 1952-1965

This series contains proceedings of appeals brought before cabinet regarding the Forest Act, Motor Carrier Act, Public Utilities Commission Act, and Pollution Control Act. Appellants include Celgar Development Company, Empire Mills Ltd., CN Transportation, Westcoast Transmission, British Columbia Forests Products, Port Alberni Warehousing, and the Corporation of the District of Saanich.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Records of the Deputy Provincial Secretary

  • GR-1661
  • Series
  • 1954-1983

This series contains records of the Deputy Provincial Secretary relating to the operations of the Ministry's branches. Many of these records deal with heritage conservation, museums, and cultural organizations. Records also deal with the administration of Royal Canadian Humane Association awards for bravery and life-saving.

GR-1661 is a pot-pourri of records accumulated by the office of the Deputy Provincial Secretary and by his various Assistant Deputy Ministers.The diversity of this collection is testimony to the multi- faceted operations and responsibilities of the Provincial Secretary's department.

A substantial number of the files deal with Heritage Conservation policies and heritage sites, such as Craigflower Schoolhouse, Barkerville, and Fort Steele.Many of the files also deal with cultural organizations and activities, with provincial fitness and recreation programmes, and with special interest groups.Other files in this unit pertain to the Royal Canadian Humane Association awards for bravery (which were coordinated by the ministry), to specific legislation re:the provincial flag, the provincial tartan, etc., and to the organization of out-of-town cabinet meetings.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Oversize attachments for Orders in Council

  • GR-1664
  • Series
  • 1874-1994

Series consists of oversize attachments to Orders in Council (OIC) that were removed from GR-0113. Some oversized maps and plans from 1896-1979 were microfilmed and are available on reels B07080 to B07085. Other items, which were too large to be microfilmed or were created after 1979, are only available as originals. These are listed in the attached finding aid. Additional oversize items may also be found in GR-0113 (1872-2009) and 91-0472-740 to 91-0472-751 (1993-1994). See the end of the attached finding aid.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Attorney-General

Briefs, reports and papers

  • GR-1718
  • Series
  • 1964

This series contains a brief submitted by the Atlin District Board of Trade on "Proposed Development for North-West British Columbia." The series also contains reports and position papers submitted by the provincial government to the Alaska-British Columbia-Yukon Conference at Whitehorse, 1964.

British Columbia. Executive Council

Indexes to Orders in Council

  • GR-1955
  • Series
  • 1872-1984

The series consists of volumes of indexes to Orders in Council (OIC) created between 1872 and 1984. The indexes relate to GR-0113 Orders in Council. The oversize volumes were maintained by the Provincial Secretary's office prior to the introduction of an automated indexing system in 1985 and digitization of the records, now available on the BC Laws website: http://www.bclaws.ca/. In most instances, OICs are indexed under the name of the statutes to which they relate. The series also includes ledgers recording documents issued under the Great Seal. The ledgers are arranged by Act name and list the relevant OIC as well as the name and address of the appointee mentioned in the OIC.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Attorney-General

Cabinet committees meeting case files

  • GR-3676
  • Series
  • 1969-2006

The series consists of records created by Cabinet committees, Deputy Ministers' committees and sub-committees between 1969 and 2005. Records include agendas, records of decisions, and meeting minutes as well as related reports, briefing notes, backgrounders, recommendations, communication plans, information packages and correspondence associated with or referenced in meetings. Most files contain records related to a particular meeting, however, there may also be subject files, publications, document requests, correspondence files, committee trips and administrative files from the committees.

Committee files provide evidence of their discussions, decisions and policy creation. Cabinet committee deliberations focus on strategic priorities and substantive issues, the acceptance or rejection of recommendations, and the early notification and review of contentious issues. Cabinet committees provide a forum for thorough analysis of an issue or fulfill mandates enunciated by statute. The Premier establishes committees, and determines their mandate, authority and membership.

Committees, subcommittees and working groups represented in the series include (listed roughly in the order in which they first appear) :

-- Cabinet Committee on Environment and Land Use (ELUC)
-- Environment and Land Use Technical Committee (ELUTC)
-- Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Environment and Land Use (DMCELU)
-- Cabinet Committee on Social Services (CCSS)
-- Deputy Ministers' Committee on Social Services (DMCSS)
-- Deputy Ministers' Committee on Social Policy (DMCSP)
-- Sub-Committee on Social Services Policy and Priorities
-- Cabinet Committee on Economic Development (CCED)
-- Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Economic Development
-- Cabinet Committee on Regional Development (CCRD)
-- Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Regional Development (DMCRD)
-- Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Sustainable Development
-- Cabinet Committee on Coal Development
-- Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Coal Development
-- Cabinet Committee on Employment Development
-- Sub-Committee on Employment Development
-- Deputy Ministers' Investment Committee
-- Interministry Committee on Regulation Reform
-- BC Task Force on Environment and Economy (E&E)
-- Wilderness Advisory Committee
-- Cabinet Committee on BC Transit
-- Cabinet Committee on Urban Transit
-- Cabinet Committee on Urban Affairs
-- Cabinet Committee on Expo Legacy
-- Deputy Ministers' Committee on Traffic Safety
-- Western Economic Policy Liaison Committee
-- Cabinet committee on Confederation
-- Cabinet committee on Alcan
-- Cabinet Committee on Housing
-- Cabinet Committee on Energy
-- Cabinet Committee on Rent Control
-- Various inter-governmental committees
-- Treaty Working Group (TWG)
-- First Nations Issues Working Group (FNIWG)
-- Green Economy Working Group (GEWG)
-- Cabinet Committee on Crown Corporations (CCCC)
-- Forestry Working Group
-- Planning and Priorities Committee (PPC or P and P)
-- Agenda Development Committee (ADC)
-- Planning Board (PB)
-- Sustainable environment fund
-- Crown management Group (of CCCC)
-- Officials Coordinating Committee on Cassiar (re: closure of Cassiar asbestos mine)
-- Commission on Resources and Environment (CORE) Liaison Committee
-- Cabinet Committee on Cultural Heritage
-- Cabinet Committee on Multiculturalism
-- Cabinet Committee on Native Affairs
-- Cabinet Committee on Aboriginal Land Claims and Self Government
-- Aboriginal Affairs working group
-- Cabinet Committee on Constitution
-- Cabinet Committee on Drug Abuse
-- Cabinet Committee on Vancouver International Airport
-- Land Use Planning Working Group
-- Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Land Use
-- Cabinet Committee Coordinating Group
-- Social Assistance Renewal Project
-- British Columbia Benefits Working Group
-- Deputy Ministers’ BC Benefits Management Group
-- National Unity Working Group
-- Government Operations Sub-Committee
-- Growth Strategies Committee
-- Income Security Review Working Group
-- Cabinet Committee on Collective Bargaining
-- Ad Hoc Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Clayoquot
-- Outreach Management Committee
-- Treaty Information Initiative Management Committee
-- Nisga’a Reference Group
-- Minister’s of State meetings
-- Working Group on Fisheries Issues
-- Joint Planning Board and Treasury Board Meetings
-- Ad Hoc Committee on Labour Legislation
-- Government Caucus Committee on Communities & Safety
-- Government Caucus Committee on Economy
-- Government Caucus Committee on Government Operations
-- Government Caucus Committee on Economy & Government Operations
-- Government Caucus Committee on Health
-- Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources
-- Joint Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and Economy
-- Government Caucus Committee on Social Policy
-- Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Environment
-- Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Resource Development
-- Government Caucus Committee on Education
-- Government Caucus Committee on Cross Government Initiatives
-- Cabinet Committee on Treaties
-- Economic Council Committee
-- Belsey Land Use Task Force
-- Core Review and Deregulation Task Force

Note that committees may be identified by their full name, part of the name or an acronym in the file list.

Many files relate to Environment and Land Use Committees (ELUC). A large portion of these committee files relate to appeals for the use of land in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The ELUC is responsible for deciding on appeals from Agricultural Land Commission decisions related to the exclusion or addition of land in the ALR. Land may be requested for exclusion from the ALR so it can be used for commercial, residential or other uses. These files may be the original application and appeal files from the Agricultural Land Commission. There are also subject files and reports on land use projects, such as the creation of parks, hydroelectric projects, mines, as well as files on subjects such as foreign ownership. These files may contain maps and other cartographic material.

The series includes Cabinet (Executive Council) meeting case files. Cabinet is chaired by the Premier and consists of all Cabinet ministers. It is the central decision-making body of government and a collective body for Cabinet ministers to decide significant government issues.

The series includes Deputy Ministers' meeting case files. This council is a strategic planning and problem-solving forum for deputy ministers, with a focus on corporate issues.

The series includes Core Review and Deregulation Task Force meeting files between 2001-2003. This task force was responsible for conducting a general review of government operations and Crown corporations, to help prepare ministry service plans.

This series also contains open cabinet meeting materials. One of the key commitments of the BC Liberal government's 2001 election platform was to hold open, televised Cabinet meetings that were broadcast live on the Internet at least once a month. The Premier of the time, Gordon Campbell, stated this was to ensure that major capital spending decisions and land-use decisions involving the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), new parks, land claims and tenure reform were decided by Cabinet in public, and not behind closed doors. From 2001 to 2004 the Liberal government held approximately 30 open cabinet meetings.

The series does not include the records of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation or the Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Legislation; these records can be found in series GR-3677.

Coloured file removal slips in the boxes indicate files which were removed for the tobacco litigation case in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Records in the series are covered by ORCS 10400-20 of schedule 881099 (Office of the Premier and Executive Council) and were scheduled for full retention. Deputy Minister's Council files are covered by ORCS 10500-20. Cabinet meeting case files are covered under ORCS 10200-20.

British Columbia. Office of the Premier

Cabinet Committee on Legislation and legislation review and approval case files

  • GR-3677
  • Series
  • 1980-2001

The series consists of records created by the Cabinet Operations branch of the Office of the Premier from 1980-2001. Most records were created by various Cabinet Committees responsible for reviewing legislation, as well as some regulations and Orders-in-Council (OICs). These committees include:

Cabinet Committee on Legislation (CCL)
Cabinet Committee on Legislation and Regulations (CCLR)
Cabinet Committee on Regulations and Orders in Council
Cabinet Committee on Legislation, Regulations and Orders in Council
Cabinet/Caucus Committee on Legislation (CCCL)

Records include committee meeting minutes, correspondence, recommendations, legal advice, legislative proposals and requests for legislation. A large portion of the records are the minutes and meeting files produced by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.

Cabinet Operations controls the process by which legislation is proposed and reviewed prior to the legislation being prepared as a Bill. These records may relate to the preparation of instructions and templates for the submission of legislative proposals, requests for legislation, or the tracking of submissions throughout the legislative approval process. This process begins when a ministry submits their legislative proposals for consideration. If a legislative proposal is approved, the ministry will be asked to develop a formal Request for Legislation (RFL). The Legislative Review Committee (LRC) will review the RFLs and make recommendations to Cabinet on policies and programs requiring change. Legislative Counsel, working with the ministry, is then responsible for drafting individual bills, acts, and regulations.

These records provide evidence of the development and coordination of this legislative review process, and include records pertaining to both new and amended legislation. The records relate to entire bills or Acts, as well as records of amendments to particular sections of an Act. These may be referred to as major or minor changes in the file list.

Where possible, the records are arranged by year or legislative session, then alphabetically by Ministry name and then alphabetically by Act name within each Ministry grouping. This arrangement may not always be followed consistently throughout the records, especially for older ones.

In some cases, records were arranged in two distinct groupings within a file folder, with records clipped to both the left and right sides. Metal clips were removed for preservation purposes, but records from the left side are face-down on top of records on the right hand side, which are arranged face-up.

The records are covered by ORCS 10610-20 (schedule 881099) and were selected for full retention.

British Columbia. Office of the Premier

Cabinet Operations administrative records and subject files

  • GR-3795
  • Series
  • 1970-1998

This series consists of a variety of administrative files, subject files, briefing books and transition books created and used by staff of the Premier’s Office, Cabinet Operations and Cabinet Secretariat from 1970-1998. Files relate to office procedures, committees, legislation and various issues or topics being considered by the Premier’s Office.

This series includes a wide range of record types which were intermingled with Cabinet Committee files in GR-3676 and GR-3677. Some of the records likely overlap with or relate to these other series. Many subject files appear to have been used by Cabinet for informational purposes and may be related to Cabinet meetings or other Cabinet committee files in GR-3676.

Types of records are grouped together as they were found in their original boxes. These groupings are identified in the file list where possible. However, many groupings have no clear order within a single grouping or clear relationship to other groupings of records in this series. Original file lists provided by the Premiers Office listed most files as "miscellaneous." Common types of records include:

Subject files relate to a particular Ministry, committee, project or issue requiring consideration or approval by Cabinet. Records include Treasury Board and Cabinet submissions; memos sent by the Premier's Office to ministries regarding approvals; reports; correspondence; copies of articles; Orders-in-Council (OICs), mostly relating to appointments; reference materials from other jurisdictions to compare other government's structure and procedures; training materials and manuals for new staff and incoming Cabinet Committee members; and letters to the Director of Intergovernmental affairs to express concerns or to report on other Cabinet Committee activities. Ministry subject files relate to legislation and issues of a specific Ministry; they are generally arranged roughly by date and alphabetically by Ministry name. Other subject files generally have no clear order.

Administrative files from the Cabinet Secretariat regard policies, procedures, human resources material, and guidelines. Many procedure files outline the process for passing legislation and the role of various government functions and bodies. This also includes press releases, newspaper clippings, speeches and communication plans of Ann Newby, Director of Communications Branch for the Premiers Office. Administrative files are intermixed with subject files.

Records regarding the Premier’s official visits are primarily itineraries outlining the Premier’s, Cabinet’s or their delegation’s daily schedule during visits, as well as briefing books. The briefing books contain guests lists, biographies of people present, background notes, speaking notes, briefing notes, meeting agendas and talking points. Related briefing books, including constituency brief books, in this series pertain to regions in British Columbia and are intended to convey important information about issues that are specific and important to the people in those regions. They include local area profiles, economic and industrial overviews, contacts, statistics and summarized issues submitted by each Ministry and the Provincial Government’s position on these issues. The records are organized by visit and are typically titled using the location and date of the visit.

Records regarding the Office of the Ombudsman/Ombudsperson are subject files held by the Cabinet Secretariat. Records include Ombudsman special reports submitted to the Lieutenant Governor or Legislative Assembly regarding investigations into complaints made against the government; correspondence between the Ombudsman and members of Cabinet or the Cabinet Secretariat; and background materials related to reports. Many of the Files are related to issues with Workers Compensation Board claims. There are also files on other controversial topics such as the closure of Tranquille and logging on Shoal Island.

The series also contains transition books and briefing binders for the transfer of power after an election. These books provide information on existing government Ministries, including priorities, critical issues, overview of the Ministry, members of the executive council, parliamentary secretaries, acting minsters, and responsibilities for Crown Corporation, Boards, Commissions and agencies. Records for the newly elected Premier Glen Clark in 1996 include floppy disks.

There are records on the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference and Cabinet retreat planning records, 1985-1994.

There is also a group of records specifically related to Premier Bill Vander Zalm’s government restructuring plans from 1985-1991. This includes cabinet shuffles, and the regionalization of government which resulted in the appointment of Ministers of State for different regions of the province. Records include OICs appointments, procedures, legal opinions, correspondence, speeches, press releases, a 1991 speech from the throne, major policies issues and briefing notes showing the government’s priorities for ministries and constitutional issues resulting from the Meech Lake Accord.

Records in the series are covered by ORCS 10200-20 and 10400-20 of schedule 881099 (Office of the Premier and Executive Council) and were scheduled for full retention.

British Columbia. Office of the Premier

Cabinet Order-in-Council background material

  • GR-3977
  • Series
  • 1989-2003

This series consists of background materials used by members of cabinet in the creation and approval of orders-in-council (OICs) and Ministerial Orders, from 1989-2003.

The majority of these records are information sheets or resumes which identify the relevant Ministry, contact person, summary of background information, authority (such as any related legislation), concerns from Legislative Counsel, impacts of the OIC, and tracking information. The OIC number is usually stamped in the top right corner. Numbers with the prefix “M” are Ministerial Orders, not OICs.

Information sheets may be stapled to other associated supporting records such as correspondence, reference materials, financial impact statements, copies of the OIC, and coloured slips showing it has been reviewed by Legislative Counsel. Green slips note the OIC can proceed, yellow indicates certain conditions that need to be met, and red indicates the OIC may be invalid or open to challenge. Most packages do not include copies of the actual OIC.

There are also a few files relating to a 1983 OIC “reduction exercise”. This involved reviewing legislation to determine if statutory powers requiring routine OICs to have full consideration and approval of cabinet could be transferred to the Minister concerned. This change was considered so Cabinet could spend more time on “non-routine” issues.

Early OICs are grouped by the name of the Ministry responsible, and roughly chronologically within each grouping. Sheets may not clearly be labelled with the year and files may contain OICs for multiple years.

Later OICs are arranged chronologically by year and OIC number. There may not be records for every OIC number or there may be a placeholder noting where records for an OIC are not included. Each year filed chronologically may begin with files for minutes of Cabinet and other miscellaneous files related to OICS of that year.

Records in the series are covered by ORCS 10200-30 of schedule 881099 (Office of the Premier and Executive Council).

British Columbia. Office of the Premier

Draft copies of Orders in Council

  • GR-4220
  • Series
  • 1872

This series consists of one volume labelled "1872 Orders in Council 1 to 42". However, the numbers applied to these Orders are not consistent with the final approved Orders in Council. The records are certified copies of (assumed) drafts of 42 Orders in Council from 1872 created by the Clerk of the Executive Council. The Orders may be accompanied by associated material, such as other forms, correspondence, sketch maps or extracts of Council minutes.

British Columbia. Executive Council