What Is 20th Parliament of British Columbia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 20th Parliament of British Columbia convened from 1937 to 1941, following the 1937 provincial election. It was dominated by the Liberal Party under Premier Duff Pattullo, who continued major public works during the Great Depression.

Key Facts

Convened from 1937 to 1941 after the June 1937 election
Liberal Party won 29 of 48 seats in the Legislative Assembly
Duff Pattullo served as Premier throughout the term
Legislative sessions held in the Parliament Buildings in Victoria
Marked by expansion of social programs and infrastructure projects

Overview

The 20th Parliament of British Columbia was in session from 1937 to 1941, a period shaped by the lingering effects of the Great Depression and growing public demand for government intervention. Elected on June 19, 1937, this legislative body reflected a strong mandate for continued reform under Premier Duff Pattullo’s Liberal administration.

This Parliament advanced significant infrastructure and social welfare policies, including road construction, hydroelectric development, and expanded relief programs. Despite rising tensions over labor rights and economic disparities, the government maintained stability through public works investment and cautious fiscal management.

Term Start: The 20th Parliament officially opened on September 16, 1937, following the general election held on June 19, 1937.
Seat Distribution: The Liberal Party secured 29 seats out of 48, maintaining a solid majority in the Legislative Assembly.
Opposition Parties: The Conservative Party won 14 seats, while the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) gained 5 seats, marking its emergence as a political force.
Legislative Focus: Major initiatives included the expansion of the British Columbia Electric Railway and the continuation of relief camp programs for unemployed workers.
Session Frequency: The Parliament convened for four annual sessions, with the final one ending in April 1941 before the next election.

How It Works

The functioning of the 20th Parliament followed standard Westminster procedures, with elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) debating bills, approving budgets, and overseeing executive actions. The Premier and Cabinet held authority over policy direction, while opposition parties scrutinized legislation and proposed alternatives.

Term: The full term lasted from September 1937 to April 1941. It ended prematurely when Pattullo called an election for October 1941, which resulted in a coalition government.
Legislative Process: Bills required approval from both the Assembly and the Lieutenant Governor, with most significant legislation originating from the Liberal Cabinet.
Committee Role: Standing committees reviewed proposed laws in detail, though their influence was limited compared to the dominant executive branch.
Public Engagement: Citizens could petition the Assembly or attend public gallery sessions, though media coverage remained the primary public information source.
Lawmaking Output: Over 150 statutes were passed, including amendments to labor laws and new regulations for natural resource development.
Budget Approval: The government introduced annual budgets emphasizing infrastructure, with the 1939 budget allocating $38 million, a significant sum at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 20th Parliament with the preceding and following legislatures in terms of composition, duration, and key policy focus.

Parliament	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Major Policies
19th	1933–1937	Liberal	24 of 47	Relief programs, debt relief
20th	1937–1941	Liberal	29 of 48	Infrastructure, hydro expansion
21st	1941–1945	Liberal-Conservative Coalition	Coalition held 32 seats	Wartime economy, unity government
18th	1929–1933	Conservative	21 of 48	Austerity measures
22nd	1945–1949	Coalition	Coalition held 33 seats	Postwar reconstruction

The 20th Parliament stands out for its ambitious public works agenda and the peak of Pattullo’s influence. Unlike the austerity-driven 18th Parliament or the wartime-focused 21st, the 20th emphasized economic stimulation through state-led development, setting precedents for future social policy in British Columbia.

Why It Matters

Understanding the 20th Parliament is essential for grasping how British Columbia navigated economic hardship and laid foundations for modern governance. Its policies influenced long-term infrastructure and social welfare frameworks still evident today.

Public Works Legacy: Highways built during this term, like sections of the Pattullo Bridge (completed in 1937), remain in use and symbolize the era’s ambitions.
Social Policy Expansion: The government increased funding for healthcare access and unemployment relief, foreshadowing later welfare state developments.
Political Realignment: The rise of the CCF signaled shifting voter priorities, ultimately leading to the coalition government of 1941.
Economic Intervention: State-led investment during the Depression challenged laissez-faire norms and justified future government economic roles.
Pre-War Transition: The Parliament operated just before WWII, making its final months critical in preparing BC for wartime mobilization.
Institutional Precedent: The dominance of the Premier’s office during this period shaped executive power dynamics in subsequent administrations.

The 20th Parliament was a pivotal chapter in BC’s political evolution, balancing crisis response with forward-looking reforms that helped define the province’s trajectory in the mid-20th century.