What Is 35th ministry of British Columbia

Overview

The 35th Ministry of British Columbia marked a significant phase in the province's political landscape, operating from June 10, 2013, to July 18, 2017. It was formed after the BC Liberal Party secured a majority in the 39th general election, led by Premier Christy Clark, who returned to leadership after a leadership review in 2011.

This administration focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, and resource sector expansion. Despite initial popularity, it faced increasing scrutiny over ethics and governance, culminating in a narrow defeat following the 2017 election.

• Term start: The 35th Ministry officially began on June 10, 2013, when Christy Clark was sworn in after her party won 49 of 85 seats in the Legislative Assembly.
• Majority government: The BC Liberals held a solid majority, allowing the ministry to pass legislation without opposition support during its first term.
• Key portfolios: Christy Clark retained the role of Premier while appointing ministers such as Mike de Jong as Finance Minister and Rich Coleman as Deputy Premier.
• Policy focus: The ministry prioritized LNG development, aiming to attract $40 billion in investment and create 100,000 jobs over 20 years.
• End of term: The ministry concluded on July 18, 2017, after a confidence vote loss led to the NDP–Green coalition forming the 36th Ministry.

How It Works

The 35th Ministry functioned as a standard parliamentary cabinet government, with the Premier appointing ministers to lead provincial portfolios. Each minister was responsible for a specific department, reporting to the Legislative Assembly and the public.

• Term: The ministry served from June 10, 2013, to July 18, 2017, spanning nearly four years of governance under Premier Christy Clark. It ended when the legislature rejected the throne speech, triggering a new government formation.
• Cabinet structure: The cabinet included 23 ministers overseeing departments such as Health, Education, and Transportation, with regular coordination through cabinet meetings.
• Legislative process: Bills were introduced by relevant ministers and required approval from the Legislative Assembly, where the BC Liberals held a majority until 2017.
• Public accountability: Ministers were expected to answer questions during Question Period and provide updates through official reports and budget statements.
• Policy implementation: Key initiatives included the BC Jobs Plan, which targeted 1.1 million jobs by 2020, and the Hardest-Hit Families Benefit for tax relief.
• Controversies: The ministry faced criticism over the Brooks Bull affair, where a government aide was accused of political interference in a school boundary dispute.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 35th Ministry with adjacent administrations in British Columbia:

The 35th Ministry stands out for its focus on economic development amid rising political challenges. Unlike the 34th Ministry, which survived on HST backlash, it struggled to maintain public trust, ultimately losing power despite winning the most seats in 2017.

Why It Matters

Understanding the 35th Ministry is essential for analyzing British Columbia’s political evolution and policy direction during a pivotal economic transition period. Its legacy influences current debates on resource development and ethical governance.

• Economic legacy: The push for LNG projects laid groundwork for future energy policy, though few projects materialized during the ministry’s term.
• Coalition precedent: Its defeat marked the first time in BC history that a minority coalition (NDP–Greens) formed government.
• Public trust: Ethics concerns, including the Brooks Bull case, led to calls for stronger conflict-of-interest oversight.
• Electoral impact: Despite winning 46% of the vote in 2017, the BC Liberals lost power due to seat distribution.
• Policy continuity: Some initiatives, like infrastructure spending, continued under subsequent governments.
• Leadership model: Christy Clark’s leadership style emphasized media presence and direct voter engagement, influencing future campaign strategies.

The 35th Ministry remains a critical case study in how economic ambition and political ethics intersect in modern Canadian governance.