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CALL NUMBER: T1410:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1960 provincial election PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses the 1960 election in detail: campaign issues, organization in his constituency, funding of election campaigns. Description of conduct of MLAs in the legislature and the importance of freedom of behaviour. TRACK 2: More discussion on campaign funding and the reaction of people to Frank McMann's support of the Social Credit in the 1960 election. Discussion of the need for increase in transportation facilities for Vancouver. Options for mass transit and the problems of planning in the transportation field. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Mental health, 1962 federal election and E. Davie Fulton PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses the Woodlands School and the problem of providing adequate mental health facilities for B.C. The formation of the NDP and the reasons for Bill 42 limiting the check off of union dues. Also mentioned is the problem of labour relations. TRACK 2: Mr. Black details the involvement of the Social Credit government in the 1962 federal election. The details of organizing the campaign for Social Credit. He also discusses federal-provincial relations and his meetings with Diefenbaker and various federal cabinet ministers. He talks about the role of E. Davie Fulton as leader of the Conservative party, provincially. He relates his knowledge of the development of Simon Fraser University. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Welfare Department, B.C. Electric, and the C.C.F.-to-NDP PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses the formation of the Social Welfare Department and his goals as its first minister. The problems of reorganizing it. Dealing with the concept of welfare. The New Willington School for Girls. Problem of staffing the department and working with social workers. TRACK 2: The problem of handling a rapidly growing department and the demand for more and more services. Financial constraints. Discussion of the overlap between provincial and municipal welfare programs. Provision of welfare service to northern B.C. and some of the problems involved. The takeover of B.C. Electric and some of the reactions to this policy. The establishment of the NDP as a party. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1966 election, health care and the Bank of B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses his impression of leaders of the opposition: Dave Barrett, Harold Winch. Some of the examples of government austerity programs. Establishment of the Bank of British Columbia. Discussion of role as Provincial Secretary. Electoral redistribution in 1966. The 1966 provincial election and campaign issues. Role of W.A.C. Bennett in the 1966 election. TRACK 2: Mr. Black becomes Minister of Health and Hospital Insurance. Some of the immediate reactions to being minister of this department. Problems with providing extended care facilities for the province. Rising health care costs. The Agnew-Peckam Report on Vancouver General Hospital. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1969 and 1972 elections, and the press PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses the creation of regional hospital districts in 1967. He evaluates his 20 years as a cabinet minister. The impact of the resignation of Robert Bonner. Press relations. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett's interest in taking over the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Plans for the development of the north. The impact of the development of Robert Banks Super Port and coal mining in the Kootenays. Also discusses: the 1969 provincial election, and campaign issues; 1972 provincial election; the Kelowna Charter; New Westminster demonstration; and Phil Gaglardi. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1971 Centennial, culture, and his role as minister PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.D. Black discusses his role as Provincial Secretary, the 1971 Centennial, and the building of Heritage Court. He remembers Willard Ireland, Provincial Archivist. Discusses the concept of culture. TRACK 2: Support of cultural programs and funding. Changing character of Members of Legislative Assembly. Role of women in government. His workload as a cabinet minister. Major illness in 1967. CALL NUMBER: T1410:0015 - 0016 SUMMARY: [No content summaries or other documentation are available for these two recordings.]

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: T3235:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early life PERIOD COVERED: 1923-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses his family background and his early years; copper smelters in B.C.; his first interests and involvement in Social Credit; his religious upbringing and beliefs; religion in the Social Credit Party; early influences upon his character; the Depression of the 1930s; WW II; his education; his law career; his first jobs; and his military service. TRACK 2: Brothers discusses his interests in enlisting in the RCAF; his first interests in the public service; his membership in various service organizations; his first law practice; his increasing interest in Social Credit; his opinions of other political parties in B.C.; his perception of the differences between socialism and communism; his first meeting with W.A.C. Bennett in 1952; and his first political aspirations in 1952. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early political life PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1962 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses the government take-over of the B.C. Electric Company; his first nomination in the 1957 federal election; the federal Social Credit Party; the nature of Social Credit Membership and support; the 1958 by-election in Rossland-Trail; and the Sommers case. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses the 1958 by-election in Rossland-Trail; highway construction in B.C.; the press coverage of the 1958 by-election; the part he played in Robert Sommers' election campaign in 1956; the Sommers case; his maiden speech in the Legislature; and the Doukhobor issue. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early political life and first cabinet post PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses the provincial election of 1960; some financial consequences of the take-over of B.C. Electric Co.; the provincial election of 1963; progress and the physical environment; his appointment to the cabinet as Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources in 1964; Robert Strachan as critic; his goals, priorities and accomplishments as minister; the relationships between provincial departments; and the offshore mineral rights issue. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses the offshore mineral rights issue; private enterprise and crown corporations; the 1966 provincial election; the relative importance of mining in B.C.; efforts to promote the mining and forest industries; the creation of a new mining act; foreign investment in the mining industry; efforts to establish secondary industries in B.C.; and the Supreme Court decision on offshore mineral rights. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Time as Minister of Education PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses: mining policies in B.C.; assuming the Education portfolio; his priorities as Education minister; the creation of regional colleges; the nature of the Education portfolio and its main difficulties; interdepartmental and intradepartmental rivalry in the government; the nature of bureaucracy within the Department of Education; his accomplishments as Minister of Education; his department's relationship with the Department of Health and Labour; problems between teachers and government; the financing of education; the concept of core curriculum; and his perceptions of the nature of education. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses: the problems of finance in the Department of Education; the development of post-secondary education; the Perry committee report; policy objectives as Education minister; outside criticism of the Department of Education; the nature of problems in policy implementation; Robert Sommers' attempt to regain the Social Credit nomination in 1969; the 1969 provincial election; the value of educational conferences; the purpose of a university education; legislation affecting the BCTF; and his perceptions of teachers. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Education, government and B.C. politics PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses: government-organized group relations; policy-making power in the Department of Education; press criticism by the Vancouver Sun and other newspapers; the provincial election of 1972; efforts by members of BCTF to dislodge him from his seat; the possible reasons for the Social Credit loss in 1972; his decision to retire from politics; the relationship between W.A.C. Bennett and Brothers; his travels with Bennett; his and Bennett's reaction to the defeat of Social Credit in 1972; his perception of W.A.C. Bennett as a leader; internal relations within the Social Credit government; the nature of cabinet meetings. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses: the nature of cabinet meetings; his assessment of W.A.C. Bennett as premier; questionable policy decisions; power development and homeowner grants; the relationship between government and bureaucracies; decision making in his ministries; coming before Treasury Board; all night sittings of the Legislature; federal-provincial relations; offshore mineral rights; comparison between federal and provincial Social Credit parties; and his relationship with the press. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Perceptions of Social Credit and politics in general PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses: government-press relations; government-organized group relations; his perceptions of relations within other parties; his opinion of the NDP; his opinions of various; prominent Social Credit members; the Sommers affair; observations about the present Social Credit government; suggestions regarding education policy; his appointment as Queen's Council; his success as a politician; his present activities; the appeal of Social Credit to B.C. voters. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses: the original appeal of Social Credit in B.C.; the nature of Social Credit and comparisons with other parties; reasons for the Social Credit loss in 1972; religion in the Social Credit Party; the role of the MLA; suggested amendments to legislative procedure; his general perceptions of government, government authority and government priorities; the government's role in society and in economic development. (End of interview)

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)

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

CALL NUMBER: T3341:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early life and career of Dan Ekman PERIOD COVERED: 1926-1957 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-15 SUMMARY: Dan Ekman discusses: his early years and family background, training and career as a newspaperman in Vancouver, working as a P.R. man for Westcoast Transmission Co., attitudes towards politics.
CALL NUMBER: T3341:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Duties and functions of executive assistant to Premier W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-15 SUMMARY: Dan Ekman discusses the circumstances leading up to his appointment as executive assistant to Premier W.A.C. Bennett and the duties and functions of that position.
CALL NUMBER: T3341:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Working as Executive Assistant to the Premier RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Ekman discusses aspects of his job as executive assistant to Premier W.A.C. Bennett. Comments on Bennett's personality and style. Reliance on individuals within the government and delegation of authority. Attitudes towards women. TRACK 2: Bennett's public image and how it evolved. Bill Clancy. The bond-burning ceremony. Take-over of the B.C. Electric Co. Bennett's fascination with secrecy. Relationships with cabinet colleagues.
CALL NUMBER: T3341:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit politics and election campaigns in B.C. RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Ekman discusses the Sommers case, the calling of elections, the 1960 election, a recollection of the events on election night, leaving the position of executive assistant in 1961, relationship with Premier after leaving. TRACK 2: Assumption of position with Westcoast Transmission, Frank McMahon and the 1960 election, starting up his own advertising agency, the Socred government's use; of advertising during election campaigns, the 1963 Fulton challenge, running election campaigns for W.A.C. Bennett.
CALL NUMBER: T3341:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The decline of Social Credit : the 1972 election RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Ekman discusses the public image of W.A.C. Bennett, the paranoid style in B.C. politics, the Malaspina gas line story. TRACK 2: Further comments on the plan for the Malaspina gas line, Clarence Budd, the 1972 election, the question of succession to the leadership of the Social Credit Party. (End of interview).

CALL NUMBER: T3288:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1956 election, the Hoxsey Cancer Clinic, and Doukhobors PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Reasons for Strachan being chosen leader. 1956 provincial election: Sommers affair; Kaslo-Slocan campaign; homeowner grant; highway construction. Reaction to the Winnipeg Declaration. Legislative sessions 1957-60: Hoxsey Cancer Clinic controversy. TRACK 2: 1957-60 sessions (cont'd): more on Hoxsey Cancer Clinic; preservation of sternwheeler "Moyie" (loss of the "Minto"); Wenner-Gren development scheme. Overview of Doukhobor situation and Harding's involvement with the Doukhobors. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1960 election, B.C. Electric take-over and Columbia River Treaty PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1963 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on Doukhobor situation. More on 1957-60 sessions: homeowner grant issue; Robert Strachan (Webster, Winch); government enters ferry business (Vancouver-Victoria run); Kettle Valley Railway service curtailed. 1960 provincial election: C.C.F. expectations of victory; business support for Social Credit. TRACK 2: Aside on 1958 Rossland-Trail by-election. 1960 provincial election (cont'd): Kaslo-Slocan campaign. C.C.F. merger with CLC, and the birth of the NDP: choosing a name for the new party; the need for a labour tie-in. 1961-1963 legislative sessions: B.C. Electric take-over; Columbia River Treaty (two-rivers policy). CALL NUMBER: T3288:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Columbia River Treaty, 1957-1967 PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1967 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Columbia River Treaty (cont'd): High Arrow Dam; reservoir clearing and environmental issues; Duncan Dam; the McNaughton plan; legislative input; negotiations with the United States; financial; settlements; NDP's inability to get information on treaty from government. TRACK 2: Columbia River Treaty (cont'd): Harding's work on behalf of residents of Arrow Lakes basin -- clearing of Arrow Lakes basin, effects on fish and game, expropriation of land (compensation issue); Harding attends Duncan Dam opening uninvited; Harding claims Hydro should be assessed for school taxes; Gerald Mead suicide. Harding discusses Social Credit labour legislation (general comments). CALL NUMBER: T3288:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1963 and 1966 elections, and the 1967 Berger leadership challenge PERIOD COVERED: 1963-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on Social Credit legislation: Bill 42; political implications of Social Credit labour policies. Social Credit members urge Harding to cross the floor. Controversy surrounding Cedric Cox's trip to Cuba: repercussions in the C.C.F. caucus; repercussions in the Legislature. 1963 provincial election: Columbia River Treaty issue; Kaslo-Slocan campaign; Strachan's image. 1963-66 legislative sessions: Harding proposes government take over West Kootenay Power and Light Company (rural electrification, additional benefits from the construction of the Duncan Dam); Harding considers running federally (1965); redistribution (Angus report). TRACK 2: Redistribution (cont'd): problems surrounding the creation of the new riding of Revelstoke-Slocan. 1966 provincial election: nomination meetings (NDP, Social Credit; redistribution (cont'd); Revelstoke-Slocan campaign. Berger challenges Strachan for the NDP leadership: reasons for the challenge; reasons for Harding's support of Berger; Harding campaigns for Berger; 1967 convention; factionalism and acrimony resulting from the leadership contest. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): From provincial to federal politics, 1966-1974 PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1974 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on Thomas Berger: comparison of Berger and Barrett. Comments on Phil Gaglardi. Harding's involvement in the C.C.F./NDP executive: general comments; Rod Young; left-right split in the party. Involvement in Silverton municipal politics. Harding decides to run federally in Kootenay West: Herridge nominates Harding. 1968 federal election. TRACK 2: 1968 federal election (cont'd). 1968 Revelstoke-Slocan by-election: Harding campaigns for Bill King. Impressions of Parliament (comparison with Legislature). Recollections of parliamentary sessions, 1968-74: pension increases, changes to Canada Water Act, environmental issues, energy control. Change in NDP leader: Douglas to Lewis (comments on Ed Broadbent). 1972 federal election: Harding fails to get Herridge's endorsement. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minority government, defeat and humorous anecdotes, 1972-1978 PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on differences between Harding and Herridge (1972): union issue in Trail. Minority government, 1972-74: Harding opposes decision to defeat government in 1974; attitude towards alliance between Liberals and NDP. David Lewis (general comments). 1974 federal election: Harding loses; extent of backlash due to provincial policies; reaction to loss. Future plans. Participation in 1972 provincial election and reaction to NDP win. Banquet honouring Harding's service to the C.C.F./NDP (1974). Involvement on Universities Council of B.C. Humorous anecdotes: Thomas Uphill. TRACK 2: Humorous anecdotes (cont'd): Thomas Uphill; Leo Nimsick and the steelworkers; incident while campaigning. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T3717:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years in politics, 1956-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1926-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses his personal and family background. Education and military experience. Pursuit of a teaching career. Supported the C.C.F. as a young man. Moved to Courtenay in 1950 and taught school. Served as president of the local teachers' association. First impressions of Social Credit. Meeting W.A.C. Bennett, 1953. Decision to run as a Social Credit candidate in the 1956 election. Recollection of the 1956 election campaign. Memories of election night. Comments on the Comox constituency. Orientation as a new MLA and maiden speech in the Legislature. Anecdote about W.A.C. Bennett being too hard on Bob Strachan. Recollection of Strachan as Leader of Opposition. First impressions of caucus. Voted against the government on one occasion. The role of caucus. TRACK 2: Reflections on the Sommers affair. Attitude of the Socred caucus toward the Sommers case. Sommers' weaknesses. Campbell complemented his income as an MLA by part-time teaching. Attitude towards labour and organized labour in B.C. Right-to-work proposals. Labour and politics. Ambitions as an MLA. The role of an MLA. The 1960 provincial election and the issue of the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. The reasons for the take-over. W.A.C. Bennett's methods of discipline over party ranks. Interests and service on committees as an MLA. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Cabinet minister in the government of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1966 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the Columbia River Treaty and the Two River Policy, and how they were understood by members of caucus. Appointment to cabinet as Minister of Municipal Affairs, 1964. Reasons for his appointment. Effect of becoming a cabinet minister. Relationship with ministerial staff. Policy-making and government. Daily duties as Minister of Municipal Affairs. Conditions in the ministry at the time he took it over. Re-organization and expansion of the ministry. The image of the government as an anti-metropolitan administration. The creation of instant towns on Vancouver Island. The genesis of regional districts. The organization of regional districts. Arguments against regional districts. Appointment as Minister of Social Welfare, 1966. Reasons for the appointment. Comments on dual-portfolio ministers. Comments on bringing the three female members of the Socred caucus into cabinet as ministers without portfolio. TRACK 2: The role of a minister without portfolio. Ways decisions in government were made. W.A.C. Bennett was not a one-man government. The experience of guiding estimates through the House as minister. Campbell enjoyed getting the Opposition excited. The process of Treasury Board. Appearing before the Treasury Board. W.A.C. Bennett as Minister of Finance. Special committees of cabinet. Legislative reform. Attitude towards instituting a daily question ;period and Hansard in the House. The misuse of legislative committees. Comparison between W.A.C. Bennett's style of government and "modern" government. W.A.C. Bennett as environmentalist. W.A.C. Bennett's influence on Campbell's political style. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of politics and government, 1960-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the organization of the Social Credit Party and its relationship with the government during the years when W.A.C. Bennett was Premier. The role of an annual party convention. Relationship between the provincial and federal wings of the Social Credit Party. Campbell opposed a convention resolution that would have separated coterminous membership in the provincial and federal branches of the Socred Party. Comments on the dream of Socred success at the federal level in the early '60s. Recollection of the contest for the leadership of the federal Social Credit Party between Real Caouette and Robert Thompson. Reasons for the federal party's failure. Religion and politics. Bennett as a man of the cloth. Anecdote about lawyers. Social Credit and populism and anti-intellectualism. Relations with the press. Federal-provincial relations when he was a Minister of the Crown. Attending federal-provincial conferences with Bennett. Attitude towards such conferences. Main issues as Minister of Social Welfare. Comments on Phil Gaglardi being brought back into the cabinet in 1969 as Minister of Social Welfare. Loyalty as a weakness of Bennett's. Campbell threatened to resign over the Gaglardi affair. TRACK 2: Dan Campbell as a champion of native rights in B.C. and service as Chairman of the First Citizens' Fund. The effect of Robert Bonner's resignation from the ;cabinet, 1968. Bonner's role in Bennett's government. Administering the Job Opportunities Program and friction with Gaglardi. Reasons why Campbell received responsibility for the program. Further comments on Gaglardi and reasons for tension between him and Campbell. Gaglardi would not have won a leadership contest in the party. The question of succession to the leadership of the Social Credit Party after Bennett. Attitude toward the Opposition and the Opposition leaders he served against. Objections to socialism. Polarization and coalition politics in B.C. The 1972 travelling cabinet tour. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): B.C. politics, 1972-1975 PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1979 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the 1972 provincial election campaign. Differences between the campaign and previous elections. The ban on advertising of liquor and tobacco as a factor in the election. Comments on Comox constituency. Gaglardi's indiscretions and their effect on the outcome of the election. Election night in Comox. Reaction to the election and personal plans immediately afterwards. Serving with W.A.C. Bennett as an administrative assistant after the election. W.A.C. Bennett's strengths and weaknesses. Reasons why W.A.C. Bennett asked him and Grace McCarthy to help rebuild and party after the 1972 election. Comments on the plan to rebuild the party. Different roles played in the rebuilding process. The legislative arm of the Social Credit Party after the 1972 election. Asking the MLAs to sign statements of allegiance to Social Credit. Comments on the efforts to form an alternative free enterprise coalition to Social Credit: the majority movement or unity party. The goals; of the majority movement. Comments on W.A.C. Bennett dissuading backers of the majority movement from their efforts. Travelling with W.A.C. Bennett and Grace McCarthy throughout the province, reorganizing and revitalizing the Social Credit Party. Factors in the great interest which was shown in the party after the 1972 election. Recollection of "Uncle Bill" Dale. TRACK 2: Continuation of recollection of "Uncle Bill" Dale. Criticisms of NDP government 1972-1975. Comments on Bill Bennett and how he got elected in 1975. Robert Bonner and the majority movement. Social Credit as the only possible vehicle for uniting the free enterprise forces in British Columbia. W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. General comments and comparison between the government under W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. (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.