In an emotional speech, NDP Premier John Horgan remembered former B.C. premier Dave Barrett in the B.C. legislature on Thursday morning. Calling him the ‘happy warrior’, Horgan spoke of Barrett’s legacy.
“He showed the power government has to improve the lives of people. He showed the role government plays in delivering fairness for everyone,” said an emotional Horgan. “He did more to improve our province and our country in three years than most of us could hope to do in a lifetime. His contributions to our province will never be forgotten.”
Barrett was the first NDP premier of British Columbia. He died on the morning of February 2 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
WATCH HERE: Dave Barrett’s lasting legacy in British Columbia
Barrett served a single term in office from 1972 to 1975, ending 22 years of rule by the Social Credit Party. Born in Vancouver in 1930, Barrett was first elected in 1960 as a member of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), and then re-elected with the BC NDP in 1963, 1966 and 1969.
In Horgan’s speech in the legislature he mentioned many of Barrett’s legacies including the introduction of the B.C. Ambulance Service, the creation of ICBC, the implementation of the Agriculture Land Reserve and abolishing paid public bathrooms in the province.
“Premier Barrett was fearless in confronting the powerful – and in demanding fairness for ordinary people,” said Horgan. “The fact that so many of his policies remain in place today, is a testament to the good his government did for our province.”
It was under Barrett’s watch that the government brought in the tradition of Question Period. B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson paid tribute to the former premier bringing in his own approach to QP.
WATCH HERE: Former B.C. premier Dave Barrett Dies
“I can think that in recent days we’ve tried a new technique, and the government of the day seems to be squirming under the pressures of Dave Barrett’s legacy. So each morning, I rise, go for my run, stop and look into the sunrise and think: “Thank you, Dave Barrett, for question period,” said Wilkinson. “To his family, unforgettable, our deepest respect, and thank you.”
A public memorial service for Barrett has been set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 3 at the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium. On Sunday, there will be a Celebration of Life in Vancouver from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Centre.
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