What Is 27th Parliament of British Columbia

Overview

The 27th Parliament of British Columbia was a significant session in the province's legislative history, spanning from 2005 to 2009. It followed the provincial election held on May 17, 2005, which resulted in a decisive victory for the BC Liberal Party under Premier Gordon Campbell.

This parliamentary term was notable for its focus on economic development, tax reform, and infrastructure projects. The legislature convened at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria, where elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) debated and passed key legislation.

• 48 seats were won by the BC Liberal Party, securing a second consecutive majority government.
• The BC New Democratic Party (NDP) became the Official Opposition with 31 seats, down from their previous standing.
• The election saw a voter turnout of 58.2%, reflecting moderate public engagement in the democratic process.
• Parliament was officially opened on June 2, 2005, marking the formal start of legislative proceedings.
• The session concluded on March 26, 2009, when the Lieutenant Governor dissolved parliament ahead of the next election.

How It Works

British Columbia's parliamentary system operates under a Westminster-style model, where the party with the most seats forms the government. The 27th Parliament functioned within this framework, with the Premier and Cabinet drawing authority from the elected legislature.

• Term: The 27th Parliament lasted from June 2, 2005, to March 26, 2009, a period of nearly four years. This duration reflects the maximum allowable term before an election must be called.
• The Legislative Assembly met in Victoria and held multiple sessions to debate bills, budgets, and policy initiatives.
• Each Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) represented one of 79 electoral districts across the province.
• The Speaker of the House presided over debates, ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules and decorum.
• Committees were formed to review legislation in detail, including finance, health, and education portfolios.
• The government introduced 239 bills during this term, with approximately 60% becoming law after royal assent.
• Budgets were tabled annually, with the 2008 budget emphasizing infrastructure investment and tax stability.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 27th Parliament with adjacent parliamentary terms in terms of composition and duration.

This table illustrates a gradual decline in the BC Liberal Party's dominance, starting with the 27th Parliament. While they maintained power, their reduced seat count from 77 to 48 signaled shifting voter sentiment. Subsequent parliaments saw further erosion of majority control, culminating in a hung parliament in 2017.

Why It Matters

The 27th Parliament played a pivotal role in shaping British Columbia’s modern policy landscape. Its legislative output and political dynamics set precedents for future governance and electoral competitiveness.

• The government implemented the Health Care Premium reduction in 2008, lowering costs for middle-income families.
• It passed the Carbon Tax Act in 2008, making BC the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce a broad-based carbon tax.
• The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) was first proposed during this term, though enacted later in the 28th Parliament.
• Infrastructure projects like the Canada Line were accelerated, improving transit in Metro Vancouver.
• The session saw increased scrutiny of government transparency, following controversies over land use and contracts.
• It set the stage for a more competitive political environment, as voter support for the NDP began to rebound.

The 27th Parliament thus stands as a transitional phase in BC’s political evolution—marked by policy innovation and the beginning of a more balanced legislative landscape.