Socred premier credited with modernizing B.C.
Led province from 1975-86, Bill Bennett dies at 83
KELOWNA — Former B.C. premier Bill Bennett, an architect of financial restraint in the province and a signatory to Canada’s constitution, has died in his hometown of Kelowna at the age of 83.
He had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for several years and died Thursday.
His family said in an obituary that Bennett cherished his time with them and had a quick wit and great sense of humour.
“Bill was competitive in all aspects of his life, whether in business, politics or the game he loved most — tennis.”
Bennett used that competitive streak to lead the Social Credit party in a December 1975 landslide victory over Dave Barrett’s New Democrat Party.
He took over the party from his father W.A.C. Bennett, who stepped down in 1972 after his 20 years in power ended in electoral defeat. Under Bennett’s helm, the Socreds took 34 of 55 seats in the legislature and more than 49 per cent of the popular vote.
During the 1981 constitutional negotiations, Bennett was one of the so-called Gang of Eight premiers who opposed many elements of then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau’s plan to patriate the constitution unilaterally.
The Gang of Eight eventually fell apart, with only Quebec opting out of the constitutional compromise that led to patriation in 1982.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement offering his condolences, calling the former premier a savvy politician and businessman who did a great deal to build B.C. and its reputation.
“He was a very capable and hard working British Columbian who contributed enormously to his province and to our country,” Trudeau said. “He will be remembered and honoured.”
Premier Christy Clark issued a statement Friday saying Bennett will be remembered as one of B.C.’s most influential leaders.
“Perhaps no other premier did more to modernize our province. He brought SkyTrain, Canada Place and B.C. Place to Vancouver and began the Coquihalla Highway project and expanded our mining and hydro industries.”
Former Social Credit cabinet minister Claude Richmond called Bennett “a good man, a great man, a wonderful premier.
“He made me the minister in charge of Expo 86 and for four years, we went through some very interesting times getting Expo ready. It was a lot of work but it was a lot of fun. And Mr. Bennett and I became really good friends and very close.”
In the early 1980s, Bennett gained a reputation as being hard-nosed after cutting thousands of jobs from B.C.’s public service despite massive protests from labour.
He resigned in 1986 and returned to private business.
Bennett married Audrey James in 1955. The couple had four sons — Brad, Kevin, Stephen and Greg.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, his brother Russell, four sons, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.