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Provincial Archives of British Columbia audio interviews, 1974-1992 British Columbia Electric Company British Columbia. Legislative Assembly--Elections, 1952
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Robert Bonner interview : [Mitchell, 1980]

T0244:0005: Robert Bonner: early years, education, military school, legal training and interest in politics. 1920-1950
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. 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: Robert Bonner: Social Credit, the 1952 election and becoming Attorney General. 1950-1952
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. 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: Robert Bonner: the 1953 provincial election and early days of Social Credit government in B.C. 1952-1953
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. 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: Robert Bonner: aspects of the administration of the portfolio of Attorney General. 1952-1968
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. [TRACK 2: blank?]

T0244:0009: Robert Bonner: aspects of government administration and the Doukhobors in B.C. 1952-1968
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. 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: Robert Bonner: the Sommers affair. 1955-1960
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. 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: Robert Bonner: background to the Columbia River Treaty. 1956-1964
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. 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 Robert Bonner : the development of hydro-electric power in British Columbia 1960-[?]
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. 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 Robert Bonner : federal-provincial relations. 1952-1968
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. 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 Robert Bonner : aspects of Social Credit politics in British Columbia 1952-1968 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. [TRACK 2: blank?]

T0244:0015: Robert Bonner: reflections on politics, British Columbia and resigning from public life. 1952-1969
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. 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: Robert Bonner: 1972 election and a recollection of W.A.C. Bennett. 1969-1975
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. [TRACK 2: blank?]

Lois Mabel (Hill) Haggen interview

CALL NUMBER: T0288:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Lois Haggen : C.C.F. MLA in the 1950s PERIOD COVERED: 1911-[no date] RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974-06-23 SUMMARY: TRACKS 1 & 2: Personal background and life in the interior of British Columbia in the 1920s and 1930s. Discussion of the work of her husband Rupert Haggen and involvement with the C.C.F. Rupert's election as an MLA in 1949. Discussion of Coalition government and problems. The growth of Social Credit and its election victory. Description of the life of an MLA's wife and the social life in Victoria. The disappointment of the C.C.F. at not forming the government in 1952, and its impact on the party. Party leaders in the 1950s. Running for election in 1956 and early role as an MLA. Her reaction to Social Credit and W.A.C. Bennett. CALL NUMBER: T0288:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Lois Haggen : Member of the Legislative Assembly PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1974 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974-06-24 SUMMARY: TRACKS 1 & 2: Interview with Lois Haggen, C.C.F. and NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly during the fifties and sixties. Discussion and description of campaigning in elections. Her role as a woman in politics. The role of her party as the opposition party. Her interests and goals in various legislation. Work to repeal taxes on children's clothing; efforts on the part of rural electrification; interest in rights of women. Discussion of committee work in the Legislature. Changing attitudes of government. Reaction to the takeover of B.C. Electric. Accomplishments as an MLA. Defeat and leaving government.

Einar Gunderson interview

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)

Leo Nimsick interview : [Reimer & Petter, 1978 : part 2]

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1950-52 sessions and 1952 election PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: hospital insurance issue; break up of Coalition; role of W.A.C. Bennett, who advocates alternate (preferential) ballot, crosses floor; Workman's Compensation issues; more on W.A.C. Bennett; other issues in 1950-52 Parliament; caucus discipline and unity; Winch's role as Opposition Leader; storm caused by Nimsick's involvement in signing peace petition, 1951; 1952 election campaign; Social Credit League. TRACK 2: Nimsick discusses: 1952 election (cont'd); Cranbrook campaign, the story of the "great challenge" in Kimberley; candidates in Cranbrook constituency; local issues; outcome of election; Social Credit forms government; role of Tom Uphill; reaction of Harold Winch; Winch's attempt to form government, 1953.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1953 election and 1952-56 sessions PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: 1952 by-elections, C.C.F. caucus, 1953, description of new members, 1953 session and Rolston Formula; comparison between Social Credit government and Coalition government; W.A.C. Bennett; hospital insurance changes under Social Credit; more on 1953 session; J. Allen Reid speech, night sittings. Impressions of: Einar Gunderson, Tilly Rolston. Discussion of events surrounding Winch's resignation as leader. TRACK 2: Nimsick discusses: more on Winch's resignation; Winch and Webster switch nominations; Webster becomes leader; 1953 election and the Rolston Formula; Nimsick speaks in Trail; Cranbrook campaign; relationship between C.C.F. and Tom Uphill; 1953-56 sessions; more on hospital insurance, liquor issue, "cow incident", Colquitz Mental Home, PGE Railway, Workman's Compensation, labour legislation, Phil Gaglardi.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1954-1956 sessions : Sommers, Doukhobors and Highways PERIOD COVERED: 1954-1970 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: Gaglardi (cont'd); Stewart-Cassiar Highway controversy (aside on Edgar Jamieson); general comments on the role of an MLA; more on Nimsick's relationship with Cominco; putting columns in newspaper; Sommers case; and 1955 redistribution. TRACK 2: Nimsick discusses: Walter Mulligan case; Bennett's financial policies; Social Credit highway program; some general comments about the Doukhobor issue and Sons of Freedom sect.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Provincial party politics, 1955-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: the Kaiser Dam proposal; relationship between Nimsick and Bennett; internal party politics; Webster resigns as leader; leadership contest in 1956 which Nimsick runs in; caucus role in selecting leader; Strachan wins leadership; the Winnipeg Declaration; 1956 provincial election; Strachan as a leader; Wenner-Gren proposal. TRACK 2: Nimsick discusses: Wenner-Gren (cont'd;); government's entry into ferry business; labour legislation (Bill 43); civil servants' strike; homeowners grant (Strachan reverses his position under caucus pressure); 1960 election; B.C. Electric issue; Cranbrook campaign; recollections of work as an MLA (general); first impressions of Dave Barrett and other new C.C.F. MLAs.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Formation of NDP and 1966 election PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1966 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on C.C.F. MLAs elected in 1960. Formation of NDP: Nimsick opposes merger with CLC. Nimsick discusses Columbia River Treaty: overview, McNaughton scheme, Libby Dam, Peace River (two river; policy). B.C. Electric take-over. Kaiser moves into East Kootenay area to mine coal: Natal-Michel relocation plan. TRACK 2: Nimsick advocates government take-over of power companies in the Kootenays, also transmission lines. Labour legislation: Bill 42. Nimsick advocates a special pension to be given to Tom Uphill. Nimsick discusses the 1963 provincial election: Fulton's role, Strachan's image, effect of Columbia River Treaty and B.C. Electric take-over, Cranbrook campaign, Bank of B.C. Also discusses: medicare (1964), Jones case, his visit to Brannon Lake juvenile detention centre, the Angus Commission redistribution. Discusses 1966 provincial election: Kootenay campaign (problem of running in an enlarged riding), style of provincial campaign.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1966 to 1969 provincial elections PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on style of provincial campaign (1966). Nimsick named caucus whip. He describes his role as whip. Impressions of new NDP caucus members. Controversy surrounding Gaglardi. Comments on Bonner's departure. Mediation Commission Act (Bill 33). Commonwealth Trust case. Robert's Bank superport. Cowichan Copper Company. Kootenay and Elk Railway. Incident between Nimsick and Waldo Skillings. Constituency issues. Nimsick's efforts to get a royal commission to examine the mining industry. Berger leadership challenge, 1967. TRACK 2: More on the Berger leadership challenge. Strachan resigns: 1969 leadership convention (Berger vs. Barrett vs. Williams). Nimsick attends showing of "The Good Life" with W.A.C. Bennett. 1969 provincial election: Nimsick wins on the recount. (End of interview)

Gerald S. Bryson interview

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