Showing 11 results

CALL NUMBER: T2662:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses his early life PERIOD COVERED: 1909-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses his early life. He describes his family, their pioneering experiences in the Nanaimo area, his education, and his work as a bank clerk, longshoreman, and millwright assistant. Mentioned in context are Nanaimo, B.C.; Port Alice, B.C.; Britannia High School in Vancouver; Wesley Black. TRACK 2: Earle Westwood discusses the Depression, his return to Nanaimo, his funeral parlour businesses in Nanaimo and Duncan, and his involvement in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Nanaimo City Council, and his period as mayor of Nanaimo. He also relates his impressions of; the Coalition government, his early career ambitions, and his organizational membership. Westwood describes his first interests in Social Credit and his first meeting with W.A.C. Bennett. In addition, he discusses the provincial election of 1953. Mentioned in passing are Ernie Carson, George S. Pearson, Byron Johnson, Peter Maffeo, and Lorenzo Giovando. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses his experiences as a cabinet minister PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses the provincial elections of 1953 and 1956 as well as his own election in 1956 and his appointment as Minister of Trade and Industry. Mentioned also are his travels with Premier Bennett in 1954, party platforms in the 1953 and 1956 elections, and his perceptions of his political opponents. He describes his objectives as MLA and cabinet minister and the projects undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry while it was under his direction. TRACK 2: Earle Westwood discusses the origins and policies of the Department of Recreation and Conservation, the nature of the tourist industry in B.C. during the late 1950s, and the creation of Beautiful B.C. Magazine. He also discusses decision and policy making in his ministry as well as some activities of the B.C. Federation of Fish and Game Clubs. Westwood also relates how his estimates were approved by Treasury Board. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood on his later political life and his period as Agent-General PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood recalls his days as Minister of Recreation and Conservation, and Commercial Transport. He discusses the provincial election of 1960, the Pacific Northern Railway, and the B.C. government takeovers of the B.C. Electric Co. and the Black Ball ferry fleet. Westwood also discusses northern development and some speculation that B.C. would seek the Winter Olympics. TRACK 2: Earle C. Westwood evaluates the effectiveness of the C.C.F. opposition during his years in office, focusing on the roles of Robert Strachan, Dave Barrett and Leo Nimsick. He also comments on the nature of the Social Credit opposition during the Dave Barrett administration. Westwood recalls the provincial election of 1963 and his retirement from politics. Also discussed are his period as Agent-General, the effects of socialism in Britain and Westwood's travels with W.A.C. Bennett in Europe. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood on his time as Agent-General and his general perception of politics PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood recalls his travels in Europe with W.A.C. Bennett and his accomplishments as Agent-General. He discusses his activities upon returning to B.C. and comments on his perceptions of various political figures including: Dave Stupich, Leo Nimsick, Tom Uphill, Gordon Gibson, Deane Finlayson, Robert Bonner, Einar Gunderson, Phil Gaglardi, Robert Thompson, and Ronald Worley. Westwood also discusses how cabinet was run during the W.A.C. Bennett years, how policies were developed, and his own relationship with Bennett. TRACK 2: Westwood discusses the relationship between the Social Credit party in B.C. and Social Credit parties in other provinces (Alberta and Quebec) and the relationship with the federal Social Credit party. He also describes his activities before the caucus and his perceptions of W.A.C. Bennett as premier. Also discussed are Westwood's relationship with the press, government-organized group relations, and his perceptions of other political parties. Westwood also comments on the role of government. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses various political and social issues PERIOD COVERED: 1939-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses civil defence in Nanaimo during World War II; all night sessions in the Legislature; his first interests in Social Credit; the Coalition government in B.C.; dominion-provincial relations during his terms in office; the Robert Sommers case; his concept of free enterprise and socialism; his impressions of Lyle Wicks, Eric Martin, and William Chant; proselytizers of the original Social Credit theories; and the current administration of W.R. Bennett. He also discusses California's Proposition 13 and the appeal of Social Credit to British Columbians. TRACK 2: Westwood discusses public reluctance to admit their support for Social Credit; eastern perceptions of Social Credit in B.C.; his meeting with Joey Smallwood; the fishing industry in B.C.; and his former plans for Newcastle Island as Minister of Recreation and Conservation. Westwood completes the interview with a brief account of his present activities.

CALL NUMBER: T2639:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial policies of the Social Credit government, 1952-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Einar Gunderson discusses his background, education and training; his work as a chartered accountant in Edmonton; his experience working for the Alberta government as head of the income tax department in the 1930s. Gunderson came to British Columbia in 1945 and became established with one of the largest chartered accountancy firms in the province. Gunderson discusses his relationship with W.A.C. Bennett and the background to his involvement in British Columbia politics which led to his appointment as Minister of Finance in 1952. TRACK 2: Gunderson discusses the 1952 by-election in Similkameen after which he took his seat in the Legislature. Ideas regarding fiscal and economic policy which were adopted by the Social Credit government. Comments about the 1953 provincial election in which Gunderson was defeated and the subsequent by-election in Victoria which he also lost. Gunderson discusses his on-going relationship with Premier W.A.C. Bennett as financial and economic advisor; his role as vice-president of the P.G.E. and Director of B.C. Hydro. Gunderson also comments on his general influence on government policies, especially debt-reduction. CALL NUMBER: T2639:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial policies of the government of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Einar Gunderson discusses his family background, attitude toward the Social Credit government in Alberta in the 1930s, relationship between Socreds in B.C. and Alberta, the Kelowna "bond-fire;", financial policies of W.A.C. Bennett, debt reduction, the issue of contingent liabilities, budget-making, economic development under Social Credit, the Toll Bridges and Highway Authority, B.C. Ferries, homeowners grant, parity bonds. TRACK 2: Reaction to the issue of parity bonds, the B.C. Free Enterprise Educational Fund, election fund raising, free enterprise vs. public ownership, the role of government in the economy, socialism, inter-relationships in the Socred cabinet, the Sommers Affair, W.A.C. Bennett and loyalty, personal relationship with W.A.C. Bennett, comments on Bennett's character and personality, travelling with W.A.C. Bennett, federal-provincial relations, equalization payments. CALL NUMBER: T2639:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of government during the tenure of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Einar Gunderson discusses the differences between equalization payments and W.A.C. Bennett's proposed negative income tax; relations with different federal administrations; federal-provincial conferences; the Briggs affair; the Wenner-Gren plan for the development of the interior of B.C.; Axel Wenner-Gren; the genesis of the two-river policy; the takeover of the B.C. Electric Co., the Stonehill affair, the genesis of the Bank of British Columbia. TRACK 2: Continuation of discussion of the proposal for a Bank of British Columbia, concluding remarks on Bennett and 20 years of power. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T2702:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in Alberta and British Columbia PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Former Alberta Premier E.C. Manning discusses aspects of the relationship between the Alberta Social Credit party and the British Columbia Social Credit movement during its early years of organization. Alberta's relationship with the federal Social Credit party. Alberta's influence on the 1952 provincial election in B.C. The role of Rev. Ernest Hansell. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett's conversion to Social Credit. Reaction to Social Credit victory in British Columbia, 1952. Early relations between the B.C. Socred government and the Manning administration. TRACK 2: E.C. Manning comments on W.N. Chant. The December, 1952, "summit meeting" between Premiers Bennett and Manning in Edmonton. The relationship between Bennett and Manning. The effect of the election of the B.C. Socred government on national party fortunes. The problems of instituting Social Credit policies under a federal system of government. Discussion of early attempts to form a national Social Credit movement. Comments on Major Jukes. Social Credit and political action. The bases of support for the national Social Credit party. Manning's relationship with Bob Thompson. CALL NUMBER: T2702:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Relation between the provincial and federal Social Credit parties RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Manning's views on the leadership of the national Social Credit party. Comments on the split between the Quebec and western wings of the Social Credit movement. Recollections of the 1961 Socred leadership convention. The funding of the federal party. Views on Robert Thompson's leadership of the federal party. Reasons for the lack of success of Social Credit federally. Social Credit in Alberta and British Columbia were two distinct phenomena. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T1293:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The origins of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1930-1952 (part one) PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The formation of the first Social Credit study group in British Columbia, c. 1930. The central roles of Henry Torey and William Tutte in the early history of Social Credit. Differences between the stories of Torey and Peer Paynter. The issue of direct political action. Attempt by William Aberhart to establish a separate organization in B.C. Anti-Semitism as a problem in the Social Credit ;organization. Competing Social Credit groups in the 1930s and 1940s. Torey has no knowledge of the "Perfect Circle". Torey a frequent financial contributor. Close friend of William Rose. Torey born in 1907 in Vancouver. Discusses personal background. TRACK 2: More information about Torey's personal background. Strong influence of his brother Henry. Torey disputes Martin Robin's version of the founding of Social Credit. Description of Henry Torey, William Rose, William Tutte. The Social Credit monetary theory of Major C.H. Douglas. Antithesis of Social Credit and socialism. The political and social philosophy of Social Credit. Rejection of socialism in the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1293:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The origins of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1930-1952 (part two) PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1970 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Comments on Major C.H. Douglas' political philosophy. Some British Israelites in Social Credit movement. Attempts by Social Credit to influence established parties. Private enterprises a fundamental principle of Social Credit. Social Credit against monopolies. Internal organization. Small "bull sessions" of Social Credit inner circles. Social Credit technical advisors. Examples of how the patronage system worked in B.C. The study and teaching of Social Credit. TRACK 2: Make up of the early Social Credit group. The "lunatic fringe" of Social Credit: Socialists and anti-Semites. Social Credit critique of traditional economics. Henry Torey and William Rose as leaders in Social Credit thought in B.C. Discussion of the Social Credit dividend. Social Credit and the "no growth" economy.; CALL NUMBER: T1293:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The origins of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1930-1952 (part three) PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The visit to British Columbia by Major C.H. Douglas. Many of the early Socreds in the newspaper business and related activities. Peer Paynter and the Social Credit organization. More on Henry Torey. The "Christian" image of the Social Credit League. Torey attended no conventions. Alberta connections. Torey took a low profile because he was in the liquor business. Did not know W.A.C. Bennett personally. Assesses Bennett as the best Premier that the province ever had. Comments on earlier B.C. governments. Recollection of 1952 election night. Comments on the bringing into cabinet of Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Knows nothing about Free Enterprise Education Fund. TRACK 2: Comments on the relationship between the government and the party. Comments on the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company, 1961. Torey a friend of Eric Martin. The split in the federal Social Credit party in the 1960s. Ambivalent comments on Real Caouette. Expresses discouragement at the chances of Social Credit in the federal field. The Social Credit Research Team Bulletin of Bill Rose. Expresses belief in the inevitability of Social Credit ideas. Social Credit seen as a remedy to socialism. Critique of socialism. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T2348:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Beginnings of Social Credit in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Wicks describes his personal background. He tells of his efforts to work during the Great Depression. Work for B.C. Electric during World War II. He describes his beginning interest in Social Credit in 1944. He joins Social Credit and becomes immediately involved. Mr. Wicks describes the various factions in Social Credit in British Columbia at this time. TRACK 2: Continued discussion of changes in the Social Credit. Mr. Wicks becomes 1st Vice-President of Social Credit Association of Canada, B.C. Section, in 1946. Mr. Wicks helps to establish the Vancouver Area Council for Social Credit. When Major Jukes fails to call a convention for Social Credit in B.C., Mr. Wicks is asked to do so, creating a split in Social Credit. At the convention, Wicks is chosen President and Eric Martin Vice-President. Description of role of Social Credit in 1949 provincial election. Relations of the B.C. Section with Social Credit Alberta. CALL NUMBER: T2348:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1952 election and campaigning PERIOD COVERED: 1948-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Wicks describes his reactions to W.A.C. Bennett crossing the floor of the Legislature to sit as an independent, and the concept of forming another party under Bennett. The 1951 Esquimalt by-election and the role of Social Credit. The impact of the British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service on the electorate. Eric Martin's close relationship with W.A.C. Bennett and efforts to bring Bennett into the Social Credit League. Mr. Wicks meets Mr. Bennett in 1951. Social Credit convention at the Russell Hotel, New Westminster. Expansion of Social Credit provincially. Wicks re-elected President of the Social Credit League. Role of Alberta in the development of the Social Credit League in B.C. Problems between B.C. and Alberta. TRACK 2: Divisions on the executive about bringing Bennett into Social Credit. 1952 provincial election. Tilly Rolston joins Social Credit. Campaign efforts by Social Credit. Reaction of electorate to Social Credit. The use of the transferable ballot. Reaction to the results of the election. CALL NUMBER: T2348:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Formation of Social Credit government, 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1951-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Wicks consults Solon E. Low on the idea of having W.A.C. Bennett join the Social Credit League. Opposition to Bennett from Alberta Social Credit. Meeting with Hugh Sheriff to discuss Bennett. Wicks' role as President of the Social Credit League. Development of the Social Credit campaign platform. Problems of keeping the executive from becoming divided. Financing of Social Credit in the 1952 election. TRACK 2: Selection of legislative leader in the Hotel Vancouver. Wicks' comment on changes in his role. Choice of W.A.C. Bennett. Choice of cabinet. Bennett's instructions to MLAs upon arrival in Victoria. Reaction to becoming a cabinet minister. CALL NUMBER: T2348:0004 SUMMARY: [No documentation or transcript available for this tape.]

CALL NUMBER: T2701:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Development of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1950-52 PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discussion of how Orvis Kennedy became involved in Social Credit politics and his relationship with the Alberta party and the federal Socred party. The relationship between the Alberta Socreds and the B.C. party. The Alberta party never interfered directly with the internal politics of the British Columbia Social Credit League. Kennedy had known W.A.C. Bennett in Alberta in the 1920s. Organizing in B.C. The Alberta Social Credit party paid Peer Paynter a salary to assist in organizing the B.C. party. Description of the types of activities Kennedy involved himself in while on an organizational tour in B.C. Kennedy's theory of how to win polls in constituencies. Relationship between the national Social Credit party and the Alberta party. Discussion of the incident of Lyle Wicks coming to Edmonton for consultation. Recollection of the 1951 convention when Ernest Hansell assumed the campaign leadership of the B.C. Social Credit party for the following election. Hansell was asked by the B.C. party to take on the campaign leadership. TRACK 2: The Alberta party did not issue an ultimatum to the B.C. Socreds at the 1951 convention. Impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. Some of the difficulties in bringing W.A.C. Bennett into the Social Credit party. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett's political conversion was more adverse in B.C. than in Alberta. One reason a campaign leader was appointed in the period leading up to the 1952 election was because the permanent leader appointed would not have been Bennett. Very few Albertan representatives attended B.C. Social Credit conventions. Comments on W.N. Chant. Comments on the 1952 election campaign. Socred election strategies and the 1952 election party platform. Confusion between "Social Credit" and "socialism". Kennedy denies that the Alberta Socreds ever gave the B.C. party large sums of money. CALL NUMBER: T2701:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in British Columbia after the 1952 provincial election PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Orvis Kennedy discusses aspects of political organization and the reaction to the 1952 provincial election in B.C. Anecdote about speaking to the Mennonites in Chilliwack. Method of rating the chances of various constituencies during elections. Comments on W.A.C. Bennett's assumption of the leadership of the Social Credit party. Recollection of W.A.C. Bennett's visit to Edmonton, December; 1952. [TRACK 2; blank.] (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T1175:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Paynter's early life and the origins of Social Credit in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1898-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in 1898 in Saskatchewan. Paynter's early life in Saskatchewan: association with the cooperative movement, farm life, public school education to the end of grade ten, religion in the Paynter family, worked for 9 years as a grain buyer. Moved to Vancouver, 1931. Work history in Vancouver in 1930s and 1940s, including Palm Ice Cream Co., carpentry work, Boeing Aircraft Co., CP Airlines.; President of union local at CP Airlines during part of World War II. Labour relations. TRACK 2: Paynter's first contact with the ideas of Social Credit, 1932. The first Socred study group in B.C. Bill Tutte was the leader of the study group. The operation of the study group. Social Credit League of British Columbia formed in 1934 (?). Description of the first office. Anti-Semitism within the Socred movement. The possibility of communists within the early Socred movement. The Social Credit theory: Major Douglas' analysis of the monetary system, the 'A plus B theorem', 'national dividend', 'just price discount'. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Origins of Social Credit in British Columbia : 1932-1945 PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Paynter discusses the danger of dogmatically applying the Douglas theory of Social Credit. The philosophy of Social Credit: the oppression of monetary control. The differences between Social Credit and Technocracy. Members of the original Social Credit study group. Links between Social Credit and the British-Israel Association. Social Credit as the philosophy of "free enterprise". Differences between Social Credit and socialism. TRACK 2: Social Credit organizations: Social Credit League of B.C. and Union of Electors. Techniques of organizing Social Credit study groups. The Perfect Circle, a clandestine Social Credit organization during World War II. Perfect Circle kept Social Credit ideas alive during the war. Relations between B.C. Socreds and the Social Credit Secretariat in Li;verpool {London?]. The first Social Credit government in Alberta. Types of people in the Social Credit organization in the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in British Columbia in the 1930s PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1936 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Characteristics of early Socreds. Incident when Harold Winch and others tried to convince Paynter to run for the C.C.F. in Vancouver East, 1933. Social Credit never contested municipal elections. Paynter's opinion that politicians should be "individuals" rather than members of a political party. Leading figures in Social Credit in the 1930s. The visit to B.C. in 1934 of Major C.H. Douglas, 1934. The visit of Rev. Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury, to Vancouver to speak on Social Credit, ca. 1934. Premier William Aberhart's role in B.C. Social Credit in the mid 1930s. Paynter describes Aberhart, and Aberhart's many visits to Vancouver. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T1175:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in British Columbia, 1932-1951 PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The formation of the first Social Credit study group in Vancouver, 1932. Discussions of the monetary theory of Social Credit and the "Douglas Social Credit for Canada" piece by William Tutte. Talks about Social Credit literature and the "Perfect Circle", a Socred secret society during WWII. Formation and dissolution of Social Credit groups in 1930s and 1940s. Other monetary theories discussed. Paynter asked to be Harold Winch's running mate in 1933 provincial election. Talks about other members of the Perfect Circle: description of William Tutte and Bill Rose. Social Credit League of B.C., from 1934. The provincial election of 1937 and Social Credit involvement of it. TRACK 2: More on the 1937 election. Social Credit did not run in the provincial election of 1941. Internal problems within Social Credit, 1937-1944. The Union of Electors. Organizational details about the 1930s. The formation of the Social Credit Association of Canada (B.C. Section), 1944. The founding convention, 1944. Eric Martin and Peer Paynter on the new executive. Activities of the new association. The 1945 provincial election. Paynter a candidate in Burrard. Paynter runs in the 1945 federal election. Paynter accused of being a communist, c. 1946.; CALL NUMBER: T1175:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in British Columbia, 1945-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1945-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Paynter continues discussing how he was accused by some other Socreds of being a communist, 1946. Formation of the Vancouver Area Council of Social Credit. Major Jukes as a divisive force in Social Credit, late 1940s. The split in Social Credit, 1948-49. The 1949 provincial election. Character of Major A.H. Jukes. More on the split. Name changes of the Social Credit organization. Dal Grauer of B.C. Electric makes large contributions to the Socreds in 1949 election. More on the 1948-49 split. TRACK 2: More on Major Jukes. Paynter runs in Chilliwack in 1949. Organizational work between 1949 and 1952 elections. Work of Lyle Wicks, Eric Martin and Peer Paynter. Social Credit League headquarters in Lyle Wicks' house. Paynter becomes the first paid Social Credit organizer in B.C., 1951. Organizing techniques. Organizing Social Credit groups around the province. Hospital insurance as an issue in the 1952 election. Internal organizational details. "Christian image" of Social Credit. More about organizing. Development of electoral platform for 1952 election. The weakness of the Coalition. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Preparing for power : the Social Credit in British Columbia, 1949-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1949-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The development of policy prior to the 1952 election. Individualism as part of the Social Credit philosophy. More on the Social Credit platform and Paynter's political philosophy. Comments on C.C.F. leader, Harold Winch. More on political philosophy. The role of government regulation in the economy. Comments on the takeover of B.C. Electric, 1961. The 1950 and 1951 Social Credit conventions. TRACK 2: More on the conventions. Less emphasis on monetary reform and the effects of many new members. Lack of basic Social Credit knowledge among many Socred MLAs. The 1951 Social Credit Convention in Chilliwack. Emotional plea at the convention by Lyle Wicks. Strong support for Social Credit from the Mennonites. The strong influence of Aberhart and Manning on fundamentalists in B.C. Pro-Christian and anti-socialist ideas within Social Credit. The connections between socialism and dictatorship. Paynter's assessment of the weakness of the Coalition government. The by-election in Esquimalt in 1951. Assistance to B.C. Socreds from Alberta Socreds. Advice on political strategy coming from Ernest Manning. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and Social Credit come to power in B.C.: 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1951-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Albertans who assisted with organizational work in B.C.: Orvis Kennedy, David Ure, John Blackmore, Jack Landeryou. Paynter's salary as an organizer paid for by the Alberta Socreds. Critical executive meeting regarding the assistance of the Alberta Socreds in the 1952 election. The 1951 Social Credit convention. W.A.C. Bennett at the 1951 convention. Paynter leery of Bennett as a Socred leader. First contacts between Bennett and the Socreds. Personal animosity towards Paynter by Bennett. The role of Eric Martin in bringing Bennett into the Social Credit League. TRACK 2: More on the entry of Bennett into the Social Credit League. The attitude of the Socreds to Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett as a new Socred member. The 1952 leadership convention. Hansell selected as interim leader. The Social Credit assessment of the 1952 election. Paynter an unsuccessful candidate in Revelstoke, 1952. Social Credit preparations for the 1952 election. Paynter has no regrets about never being elected. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Provincial election of 1952 and Paynter as national organizer, 1952-57 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Paynter philosophical about never being elected despite several attempts. Paynter narrowly defeated in Burrard federal riding in 1953 and 1957. Significance of the transferable ballot in the 1952 election. Paynter refutes accusations that he was not doing all he could in the 1952 election. The role of Hansell in the election. Paynter's assessment of the strength of the C.C.F. in the 1952 election, namely Harold Winch. Social Credit critique of the C.C.F. Paynter's critique of socialism. Help from Alberta Premier Manning. Trouble finding candidates in the 1952 election. The quality of Social Credit candidates. The nomination of P.A. Gaglardi in Kamloops, 1952. Election night in 1952 and the period of uncertainty. TRACK 2: Bennett elected as leader by Social Credit caucus, July 1952. Paynter, Gaglardi and Irwin oppose Bennett. More on the election of Bennett. Paynter opposed to the appointment of Bonner and Gunderson to the cabinet. Paynter becomes Assistant National Organizer for Social Credit after 1952 election, until 1957. Financial situation of the federal organization. Aspects of Social Credit adopted by other parties. Paynter on federal executive until 1958. Laments the lack of knowledge of Social Credit principles by current MLAs. Brief comments on Free Enterprise Educational Fund. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Leading Figures in Social Credit, 1935-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Relations between a government and a party. W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. John Perdue defeats Paynter at 1952 Socred convention. Paynter as a candidate in the 1953 federal election. Social Credit badly defeated in 1958 in federal election. Effects of the "Sommers scandal" on Social Credit. Comments on Social Credit pioneers: J. Alan Reid, Orvis Kennedy, John Blackmore, Tilly Rolston, William Aberhart, Ernest Manning. TRACK 2: Comments on more Social Credit pioneers: Ernest Manning continued, Robert Thompson, Real Caouette, Ernest Hansell, Solon Low, Thomas Irwin, W.N. Chant, Eric Martin, Lyle Wicks, Robert Bonner. Summation of 45 years of active involvement in Social Credit. (End of interview)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CALL NUMBER: T2704:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The political education of Robert N. Thompson PERIOD COVERED: 1914-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Robert Thompson discusses his early years, education and first interest in politics. Introduction to the teachings of Social Credit under William Aberhart in Alberta in the 1930s. Discussion of Social Credit economic theory. Social Credit and political action. TRACK 2: Discussion of Social Credit and religion. Military service overseas during World War II, international travels and experience in Ethiopia as advisor to Haile Selassie. Marriage and the problems of raising a family abroad. Return to Canada and entry into federal politics in 1960. The role and influence of Premier Manning of Alberta. CALL NUMBER: T2704:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The problems of leading the federal Social Credit party in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Robert Thompson discusses his goals as leader of the federal Social Credit party in Canada. Relations with provincial Socred Premiers: Ernest Manning and W.A.C. Bennett. Attitudes towards socialism. Impressions of the Social Credit party in British Columbia. Relations between the Alberta and British Columbia provincial parties. Anecdote about meeting in Toronto in the King Edward Hotel with Premiers Manning and Bennett. TRACK 2: Thompson explains some of the problems he had in obtaining funding for the federal Social Credit party. Events and personalities surrounding the 1961 federal Socred convention at which Thompson was made party leader. Discussion of the split which developed between the Quebec and Western Canadian portions of the federal Social Credit party in 1963. The reasons for the lack of success of the Social Credit party in Canadian federal politics.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A farmer in Ontario and Alberta, 1895-1920 PERIOD COVERED: 1895-1920 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in Brampton, Ontario, 1895. Discusses family background: family were quite prosperous farmers, personal and family religious beliefs. Personal background: Chant's education to first year; high school, matters of personal philosophy, early interest in firearms and engines. Family moved to Alberta in 1913. More on engines. TRACK 2: Conscripted in 1918 but did not fight due to influenza. Description of "power farming" around Camrose, Alberta. Climate change as a result of farming. Changes in Alberta agriculture. Techniques of land breaking after 1913. Steam versus internal combustion engine for farm work.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): An Alberta farmer : 1918-1927 PERIOD COVERED: 1918-1927 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Description of the Chant family farm, Camrose, Alberta. Churches in Camrose. Met wife in Baptist church. Marries in 1931. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Political activity and Social Credit monetary theory : 1927-1935 PERIOD COVERED: 1927-1935 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continued farming after WW I. Ran for School Trustee in 1927. Lloyd George municipal councillor, 1932-1935. Welfare and relief during the Depression. Depression conditions around Camrose, Alberta. Member of United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) prior to 1935. "Moral" problems of UFA government. Supported "Progressives" in federal elections. Becomes interested in Social Credit about 1933. Heard Major Douglas being questioned by Alberta Legislature. William Aberhart's Prophetic Bible Institute radio broadcasts. Chant studies Social Credit theory. "Just price". Chant as President of Camrose Social Credit Group, 1933. TRACK 2: Camrose Social Credit study group. Aberhart visits Camrose in 1935. Social Credit monetary theory. "$25 dividend". Aberhart's Social Credit proposals. Chant, Douglas; and Aberhart in general agreement. "New Age Club" and controversy over Aberhart's interpretation of Social Credit. "The National Dividend". "Poverty in the midst of plenty". "A Plus B Theorem". The question of anti-Semitism within the Social Credit movement. The appeal of Social Credit in Alberta during the 1930s.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in Alberta in the 1930s PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1940 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Founding convention of the Social Credit party, Edmonton, Alberta, 1935. Monetary theory and resentment toward banks in the 1930s. Comparison between William Aberhart and Ernest Manning. 1935 nominating meeting for Camrose constituency. Meeting of Social Credit nominees with Aberhart. Campaign for the 1935 provincial election. TRACK 2: Monetary theory in Alberta in the 1930s. The $25 dividend. Other issues in 1935 election: conditions of employment, debt adjustment, government debt. Debt Adjustment Boards. Social Credit sweeps 1935 election. Chant selected as Minister of Agriculture. Caucus meets for first time. Swearing in of the new cabinet, Sept. 3, 1935. Problems of an inexperienced cabinet. Problems and disagreements between Aberhart and Chant. Chant's resignation from the cabinet, 1937.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The first Social Credit government : 1935-1940 PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1940 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Chant resigns as Minister of Agriculture, 1937. Personal assessment of Aberhart. Problems within the government. Relations between Aberhart's government and Major C.H. Douglas. The Social Credit "experts" and problems of implementing Social Credit policies. The "Bankers' Toadies" incident. "Insurgents" within Social Credit caucus. Government priorities after the 1935 election. The opposition. TRACK 2: G.L. MacLachlan as a leader of the opposition to Aberhart. Attempts at instituting Social Credit monetary policies. Prosperity certificates. Bad relations between Aberhart and the Alberta press. Attempts to purchase the Calgary Albertan. More on Chant's resignation as a cabinet minister. Chant does not contest the 1940 election.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in Alberta : 1933-1948 PERIOD COVERED: 1933-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Chant's affiliation with the United Farmers of Alberta. Monetary reformers in Alberta. Chant's early rejection of socialism. Runs as an Independent in 1944 election. Chant was politically inactive 1944-48. Chant's farming operations, 1940-48. Chant's hobbies: economics, hunting. TRACK 2: Critique of socialism. Chant's personal religious beliefs. Popular association of Christianity and Social Credit. Chant present in Alberta legislature when Major C.H. Douglas questioned, 1934. Nominating procedures prior to the 1935 election. More details about the Social Credit "experts". More on "prosperity certificates". More details about Chant's resignation, 1937. Chant moves to Victoria, 1948. Began organizing for Social Credit, 1950.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in B.C. : The critical years, 1950-1953 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Organizing Social Credit groups on Vancouver Island, 1950. Worked with Elmer McEwan and Herb Bruch organizing Social Credit study groups. Chant disliked the Coalition government because of patronage system. Social Credit conventions in early 1950s. The Wicks-Jukes conflict. Other Socred organizer in B.C. Social Credit fiscal policy in B.C. Finances of the Social Credit League. TRACK 2: Discussion of the 1951 by-election in Esquimalt. Influence of Albertans in the B.C. Social Credit League. The 1952 election: Chant unsuccessful in Esquimalt. Albertans leery of W.A.C. Bennett's leadership. The 1953 election: Chant elected in Victoria.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A Social Credit MLA and Minister of Public Works PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The 1953 election: Chant elected in Victoria. Einar Gunderson defeated in 1954 by-election. Reaction to the appointments of Gunderson and Bonner. The legislature and the Social Credit caucus. Chant becomes Minister of Public Works, 1955. Some Alberta Socreds displeased when Chant appointed minister. Chant's assessment of Ernest Manning. TRACK 2: Chant sworn in, 1955. The conduct of W.A.C. Bennett's cabinet meetings. Budgetary procedures and controls: Treasury Board, role of W.A.C. Bennett on the Treasury Board. First priorities as Minister of Public Works.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Public Works : 1955-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Administrative problems in the Public Works department: firing a deputy minister, departmental administration. Chant discusses the Legislative opposition. The Victoria and Duncan courthouses. More on the Legislature. TRACK 2: All-night sittings of the Legislature. Fiscal policies of the Bennett government. Net debt and "contingent liabilities". Bennett's fiscal conservatism. Gerald Bryson, Deputy Minister of Finance. Bennett as a wise manager of public funds. Comments on the Columbia River Treaty.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Department of Public Works, fiscal policy and comments on unions PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Plans for the development of the parliamentary precinct. Comments on the construction of the Museum and Archives complex. Comments on tight fiscal control exercised by Treasury Board. Fires in 1957: the Birdcages and Government House. Chant's interest in the University of Victoria. TRACK 2: Comments on the confidentiality of Treasury Board and cabinet. The Sommers case and comments on political integrity. The 1956 election. Chant's negative comments about organized labour and reaction to them. Discussion of some labour issues: closed shops, compulsory arbitration, public service collective bargaining, and the right to strike in the public sector.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Labour relations and economic development in British Columbia : 1953-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Pressure groups. Civil Service strike, 1959, and Chant's negative reaction to it. The Carruthers report. Comments on union power and the "closed shop". Problems of commercial monopolies such as the banks. Monetary theory. Economic development in northern B.C. TRACK 2: The plans of Wenner-Gren. More on economic development. Comments on the proper role of governments. The economic system in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T1378:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Comments and opinions of a Social Credit cabinet minister PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The takeover of the B.C. Electric Co. Social Credit a "free enterprise" party. More on the takeover of B.C. Electric Co. Dominion-provincial relations. Language problems in Canada. Chant's negative opinions of P.E. Trudeau. TRACK 2: The morality of P.E. Trudeau. The duties of an elected representative. Chant's strengths and weaknesses as a minister. Press relations. The use of telephones; within the public service. Chant a member of Canadian Club and rotary.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social life, Phil Gaglardi, the B.C. Building and the 1972 election PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The social side of cabinet duties: state balls, royal visits. Chant's views in favour of the monarchy. Chant's personal support of the Red Ensign as the official flag of Canada. Phil Gaglardi: Chant's lack of personal confidence in him; Chant declines to attend Gaglardi's reinstatement to cabinet; Bennett and Gaglardi. Chant had no "special" friends within the cabinet. Relations between W;.A.C. Bennett and Chant. The planning for the large government building in Vancouver. TRACK 2: More on the 55-story building in Vancouver. Bennett's personal interest in this project. Discussion of the conduct of cabinet meetings. Violent incident in New Westminster during the 1972 election campaign.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The federal Social Credit Party and early B.C. Social Crediters PERIOD COVERED: 1948-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Relations between the federal and provincial wings of the Social Credit Party. Influence of the Alberta Socreds in B.C. Alberta influences directed against Chant. Discussion of the 1951 by-election in Esquimalt. The federal Social Credit Party. TRACK 2: The B.C. Socred ministers took part in varying degrees in federal elections. Chant's comments on the federal Socred leaders: Solon Low, Robert Thompson, Real Caouette. Federal organizing and finances. The split between the federal and provincial wings of the party and Chant's reaction to it. 1962 federal leadership convention. Comments on the roles of Major A.H. Jukes, Peer Paynter and Lyle Wicks in the Social Credit League in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0015 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Chant as the Minister of Public Works PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Design and execution of the fountains at the Vancouver Courthouse and the Parliament buildings. Projects of which Chant was particularly proud. More on the B.C. Building, Vancouver. Bennett's interest in the B.C. Building. Problems with the B.C. Building. The Bank of British Columbia. TRACK 2: Bennett's attitudes towards confederation. Bennett's notion of a guaranteed annual income. Chant accepted no gifts from contractors. Comments on the Legislature. Comments on Robert Bonner's departure from the cabinet, 1968. Considerations in the calling of elections.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0016 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A cabinet minister's life PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Chant discusses cabinet procedures and elections. The period between the 1972 defeat and the NDP takeover of the administration. The 1966 electoral redistribution. Practical and political considerations in redrawing electoral boundaries. TRACK 2: The defections of Don Marshall and Scott Wallace to the Conservatives. Chant's assessment of W.A.C. Bennett as a leader. Comments of Waldo Skillings, Don Smith and Lydia Arsens. Security in the vicinity of the Legislature. General security for the public buildings. Chant's secretary. Chant's decision to retire. Chant's negative feelings towards socialism. Chant describes a typical working day.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0017 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Personal reflections PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The work of administering a department. Chant's personal scheduling. Travel. The Social Credit organization in Victoria. Chant's relations with various Victoria city councils. Assessment of the new government of W.R. Bennett. Personal reflections on a life in public office. Main interests and influences: motive power, economic theory, Christianity. The influence of Christianity on Chant's thinking. [TRACK 2: blank? End of interview.)