What Is 38th Parliament of British Columbia

Overview

The 38th Parliament of British Columbia was a legislative session that began after the provincial general election held on May 12, 2009. It officially convened on June 24, 2009, and marked the continuation of BC Liberal governance under Premier Gordon Campbell, who later stepped down during the parliamentary term.

This session of the Legislative Assembly included significant policy developments in healthcare, education, and environmental regulation. The Parliament operated until its dissolution on April 23, 2013, paving the way for the 2013 provincial election and the subsequent 39th Parliament.

• 49 seats were won by the BC Liberal Party, allowing them to form a majority government despite receiving only 45.6% of the popular vote.
• The New Democratic Party (NDP) secured 35 seats, becoming the Official Opposition, with Carole James continuing as leader until 2010, then Adrian Dix.
• The Green Party did not win any seats but received 9.2% of the vote, the highest share for a third party in BC history at the time.
• Independent MLA Vicki Huntington was re-elected in Delta South, marking only the second time an independent won a seat in modern BC history.
• The session saw four legislative sessions (or sessions of the Legislature), with prorogations occurring between 2010 and 2012.

How It Works

The functioning of the 38th Parliament followed standard parliamentary procedures in British Columbia’s Westminster-style democracy, with elected MLAs debating legislation, approving budgets, and holding the government accountable.

• Term: The 38th Parliament lasted from June 24, 2009, to April 23, 2013, spanning nearly four years before dissolution. This period included multiple legislative sessions and a change in premiership.
• Each legislative session began with a Speech from the Throne, outlining the government’s agenda, delivered by the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of the Crown.
• MLAs introduced over 200 bills during the term, including significant legislation like the Carbon Tax Transparency Act and changes to the BC Energy Plan.
• The Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly governed debate rules, committee structures, and voting procedures throughout the parliamentary term.
• Committee work included 12 standing committees and several special committees, reviewing legislation and conducting policy studies on issues like health and transportation.
• The Office of the Legislative Assembly operated independently to support MLAs, manage records, and ensure transparency in parliamentary proceedings.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparative overview of key metrics across the 38th, 37th, and 39th Parliaments of British Columbia:

This table highlights that while the BC Liberals maintained power across three consecutive parliaments, the 38th Parliament saw a decline in popular support compared to the 37th, despite holding the same number of seats as the 39th. The increase in total seats from 79 to 85 in 2009 reflected electoral boundary changes.

Why It Matters

The 38th Parliament played a pivotal role in shaping British Columbia’s policy direction during a period of economic uncertainty and environmental challenges. Its legislative decisions had lasting impacts on taxation, public services, and intergovernmental relations.

• The introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in 2010 sparked widespread public backlash and led to a province-wide referendum in 2011.
• MLAs passed the Carbon Tax Act, reinforcing BC’s leadership in climate policy by maintaining North America’s first broad-based carbon pricing system.
• The Parliament approved major infrastructure projects, including the Site C Dam, which began environmental assessments during this term.
• Changes in leadership from Campbell to Clark highlighted the volatility of majority governments facing public dissent over fiscal policies.
• The rise of independent and minor party support signaled growing voter dissatisfaction with the traditional two-party dynamic in BC politics.
• Provincial-municipal collaboration improved through initiatives like the Community Charter amendments, enhancing local governance powers.

Ultimately, the 38th Parliament set the stage for increased political engagement and reform, influencing electoral dynamics in subsequent years.