What Is 20th ministry of British Columbia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 20th Ministry of British Columbia was led by Premier Christy Clark from March 14, 2011, to July 18, 2017, following the resignation of Gordon Campbell. It was formed under the BC Liberal Party and governed during the 39th and 40th sessions of the Legislative Assembly.

Key Facts

Christy Clark became Premier on March 14, 2011, after winning the BC Liberal leadership race.
The 20th Ministry governed during the 39th and 40th sessions of the BC Legislative Assembly.
It ended on July 18, 2017, after a confidence vote failed following a provincial election.
The ministry operated as a minority government from June 2017 after the NDP and Greens formed a pact.
Key legislation included the HST repeal referendum and the Gateway Program infrastructure initiative.

Overview

The 20th Ministry of British Columbia refers to the provincial government led by Premier Christy Clark from 2011 to 2017. It succeeded the 19th Ministry following the resignation of Gordon Campbell and marked a significant period of policy shifts and electoral challenges.

This administration was formed under the banner of the BC Liberal Party and governed through two general elections. Despite initial majority status, it ultimately ended in a minority situation after the 2017 election deadlock.

Christy Clark assumed leadership on March 14, 2011, after winning the BC Liberal leadership race with 52% of the vote.
The ministry began after Gordon Campbell stepped down amid low approval ratings and controversy over the HST implementation.
It governed during the 39th and 40th sessions of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
A key early action was holding a binding referendum on the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which was repealed in 2013.
The ministry oversaw the Gateway Program, a $2.8 billion infrastructure initiative including the Port Mann Bridge expansion.

How It Works

The structure and operation of the 20th Ministry followed standard Westminster parliamentary conventions, with the Premier appointing cabinet ministers and setting legislative priorities.

Term: The 20th Ministry lasted from March 14, 2011, to July 18, 2017. Christy Clark resigned after failing to secure confidence in the legislature.
The cabinet included 18 ministers at its peak, overseeing portfolios like Health, Education, and Transportation.
Key decisions required approval from the Executive Council, which met weekly to coordinate policy.
The ministry introduced Bill 22 in 2012, modernizing labor laws and affecting public sector negotiations.
It managed relations with Indigenous communities, including advancing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
The government maintained a balanced budget in 2014 after years of deficit spending from the 2008 recession.

Comparison at a Glance

The 20th Ministry can be compared to adjacent administrations in terms of duration, electoral performance, and major policy outcomes.

Ministry	Years in Power	Party	Majority Status	Key Policy
19th	2001–2011	BC Liberal	Majority (2001–2005, 2009–2011)	HST Implementation
20th	2011–2017	BC Liberal	Majority (2013–2017), Minority (2017)	HST Repeal, Gateway Program
21st	2017–2022	NDP (with Green support)	Minority (2017–2020)	Speculation Tax, Childcare Expansion
22nd	2022–present	NDP	Majority	Climate Action, Housing Strategy
18th	1991–2000	BC NDP	Majority	Debt Repayment, Treaty Process

This table highlights how the 20th Ministry stood out for its transition from majority to minority rule after the 2017 election. Unlike the stable majorities of the 19th Ministry, Clark’s government faced legislative gridlock after losing its majority by just one seat. The reliance on independent support and eventual defeat by a confidence motion underscored the fragility of minority governance.

Why It Matters

The 20th Ministry played a pivotal role in shaping modern British Columbia through tax policy, infrastructure investment, and Indigenous relations. Its legacy continues to influence provincial politics and policy debates.

The HST referendum demonstrated direct democracy in action, with 55% of voters choosing to eliminate the tax by 2013.
The Port Mann Bridge expansion reduced commute times by up to 20 minutes during peak hours in Metro Vancouver.
Christy Clark’s leadership marked the first time a woman led BC to a general election victory in 2013.
The ministry’s collapse in 2017 led to the first minority government since 1952, shifting power dynamics.
Its approach to Indigenous consultation set precedents later expanded by the 21st Ministry.
The BC Liberal Party rebranded in 2023, partly due to voter perceptions shaped during the 20th Ministry era.

Ultimately, the 20th Ministry reflects both the potential and pitfalls of centrist governance in a diverse and politically fragmented province. Its policies and electoral fate continue to inform current political strategies in British Columbia.