Former B.C. Premier Dave Barrett died this morning, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, at the age of 87.
In his short three years in office, Barrett’s government managed to create both the Insurance Corp. of B.C. and the Agricultural Land Reserve, as well as question period in the province's legislative proceedings.
“He cared deeply about this province and devoted much of his life to trying to make it a better and fairer place to live,” his family said in a statement Friday afternoon. “His love of the province was surpassed only by his devotion to his family.”
Barrett was British Columbia’s first NDP premier, and led the province from 1972 to 1975.
Click here for Geoff Olson's piece on Barrett's "extraordinary years," and here for a look at Barrett's political biography, penned in 2012 by Rod Mickleburgh and Geoff Meggs.
From Twitter:
Today we’re mourning the loss of British Columbia’s first BC NDP Premier, Dave Barrett.
— BC NDP (@bcndp) February 2, 2018
He was a dedicated and devoted leader, spending much of his life making this province a better and fairer place to live.
He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/VFDRMVs7VE
just heard now about the passing of Dave Barrett....of course not unexpected, but still such sad news...a titan, who gave BC the most exciting govt in its history, has left us...RIP...#bcpoli #DaveBarrett
— Rod Mickleburgh (@rodmickleburgh) February 3, 2018
Dave Barrett initiated a series of ambitious reforms that challenged the social, economic, and political status quo. As Geoff Meggs and Rod Mickleburg, noted, he actually feared a coup or an assassination like Allende faced in Chile #bcpoli
— Christo Aivalis (@christoaivalis) February 3, 2018
Glen Clark says #DaveBarrett's govt passed legislation every 3 days. ICBC, Seabus Terminal, ALR. More on his legacy #ctvnews6 #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/WxOWkezehP
— Mi-Jung Lee (@ctvmijunglee) February 3, 2018
CUPE BC joins with all British Columbians in mourning the passing of Dave Barrett and celebrating his amazing legacy. #RIPDaveBarrett https://t.co/CL9Q959zc9
— CUPE BC (@CUPEBC) February 3, 2018
Jack speaks with Dave Barrett, Leader of the NDP. They discuss the current government, labour relations and the economy. https://t.co/uKDMRy4nIf#bcpoli #vanpoli #bclp #bcndp #bcgreens
— IntegrityBC (@INTEGRITYBC) February 3, 2018
Dave Barrett was the first BC premier I came into contact with in my life. I was getting my hair cut at a barbershop across from Oakridge, when he (and I think Dave Stupich) stopped by. Apparently my barber was also his barber. He was definitely an interesting, iconic BC'er.
— Patrick O'Connor (@oconnor322) February 3, 2018
Very sad to hear of passing of the great Dave Barrett. He invited me to sit on floor of Legislature with him when I was 13. He attended the funeral of my hero - my Grandfather Dr Guy Richmond ✊@bcndp. Best Premier we ever had
— John Richmond (@siempre1907) February 3, 2018
Very sad news! Dave Barrett made BC a better place to live & left a legacy of brilliant public policy that has lasted through every successive govt! I was privileged to call him a friend! #bcpoli https://t.co/WHZKWNI8uy
— Maurine Karagianis (@mkaragianis) February 3, 2018
Former @bcndp Premier #DaveBarrett in full political form in the 1980s. @cbcnewsbc #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/fS9OjIipuc
— Dan Burritt (@DanBurritt) February 2, 2018
