What Is 37th Parliament of British Columbia

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The 37th Parliament of British Columbia convened in 2001 following the May 16 provincial election and lasted until 2005. It was dominated by the BC Liberal Party under Premier Gordon Campbell, who won a majority government with 77 of 79 seats.

Key Facts

The 37th Parliament began on June 12, 2001, after the provincial election.
BC Liberals won 77 out of 79 seats in the 2001 election.
Gordon Campbell served as Premier throughout this parliamentary term.
The New Democratic Party (NDP) was reduced to just 2 seats.
This Parliament passed significant legislation including the Harmonized Sales Tax framework.

Overview

The 37th Parliament of British Columbia was a pivotal legislative session that began after the provincial general election held on May 16, 2001. It marked a dramatic shift in the province’s political landscape, with the BC Liberal Party securing a historic majority under the leadership of Gordon Campbell.

This Parliament convened on June 12, 2001, and lasted until the dissolution of the legislature in 2005 ahead of the next election. The overwhelming victory of the BC Liberals reshaped policy direction, emphasizing fiscal reform, tax restructuring, and public sector modernization.

BC Liberals won 77 out of 79 seats in the 2001 election, the most dominant result in BC’s history, leaving the NDP with only 2 seats.
Gordon Campbell became Premier on June 5, 2001, forming a government that pursued aggressive deficit reduction and tax reform.
The official opposition was severely weakened, with the NDP reduced to just two MLAs, both from Vancouver Island constituencies.
The Speaker of the House was Judi Tyabji initially, followed by Ted Leong and then Dan Miller, reflecting changes due to resignations and appointments.
Legislative sessions were held in Victoria at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, where debates focused on healthcare, education, and tax policy.

How It Works

The functioning of the 37th Parliament followed standard Westminster procedures, with the governing party setting the legislative agenda and the opposition offering scrutiny. Sessions were structured around annual sittings, budget announcements, and committee reviews.

Term: The 37th Parliament lasted from June 12, 2001, to September 2005, encompassing four legislative sessions before dissolution. It ended with the call for the 2005 provincial election.
Legislative process required bills to pass through three readings in the Legislative Assembly, with committee review and public consultation for major initiatives.
Budget implementation was a key function, including the 2002 budget that eliminated the provincial income tax surtax and reduced corporate rates.
Committee work included standing committees on finance, health, and education, though their influence was limited due to the government’s large majority.
Executive Council was appointed by Premier Campbell, with cabinet members overseeing ministries like Finance, Health, and Education.
Public engagement was minimal during this period, as the government’s strong majority reduced the need for cross-party negotiation or public hearings.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 37th Parliament to adjacent sessions highlights shifts in political power and legislative output.

Feature	37th Parliament (2001–2005)	36th Parliament (1996–2001)	38th Parliament (2005–2009)
Majority Party	BC Liberals (77 seats)	NDP (39 seats)	BC Liberals (46 seats)
Total Seats	79	79	79
Official Opposition	NDP (2 seats)	BC Liberals (33 seats)	NDP (33 seats)
Key Legislation	Health and Safety Act reforms, tax cuts	Workfare policies, treaty negotiations	Harmonized Sales Tax introduction
Term Length	4 years, 3 months	5 years	4 years

This table illustrates how the 37th Parliament was defined by a near-total monopoly of power, contrasting with the more balanced dynamics of surrounding terms. The scale of the BC Liberal victory limited opposition influence and enabled rapid policy implementation.

Why It Matters

The 37th Parliament had lasting implications for British Columbia’s governance, economy, and public services. Its legislative choices set the tone for over a decade of fiscal conservatism and public sector restructuring.

Tax reform under Campbell included eliminating the PST on utilities and reducing personal income taxes, reshaping BC’s revenue model.
Healthcare restructuring led to the closure of several rural hospitals and sparked public debate over access and equity.
Labour relations were strained as the government introduced legislation affecting teachers, healthcare workers, and public sector unions.
Aboriginal relations saw limited progress, with treaty negotiations continuing slowly despite campaign promises.
Environmental policy included expanding protected areas but also approving controversial resource projects like the Taseko Mines proposal.
Public trust in government declined by the end of the term due to perceived top-down decision-making and lack of transparency.

The legacy of the 37th Parliament is one of transformative but divisive change, marking a turning point in BC’s modern political history.