What Is 34th Parliament of British Columbia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 34th Parliament of British Columbia was in session from 1987 to 1991, following the 1986 provincial election. It was controlled by the Social Credit Party under Premier Bill Vander Zalm.

Key Facts

The 34th Parliament convened on December 15, 1987, after the 1986 general election.
Social Credit Party held a majority with 47 of 75 seats.
Bill Vander Zalm served as Premier until April 1991.
Rita Johnston became Canada’s first female Premier during this term.
The Parliament ended with the 1991 general election, which saw the NDP gain power.

Overview

The 34th Parliament of British Columbia operated between December 15, 1987, and October 1991, following the provincial general election held in October 1986. This legislative session was marked by the continued dominance of the Social Credit Party, which secured a strong majority in the Legislative Assembly.

Under the leadership of Premier Bill Vander Zalm, the government pursued conservative fiscal policies and significant social reforms. The session also witnessed political turmoil, including the resignation of the Premier and the historic rise of Rita Johnston as British Columbia’s first female Premier.

General Election Date: The election that formed this Parliament occurred on October 22, 1986, determining the composition of the 75-seat Legislative Assembly.
Swearing-In: The 34th Parliament officially convened on December 15, 1987, marking the beginning of its legislative responsibilities.
Majority Party: The Social Credit Party won 47 out of 75 seats, maintaining firm control over legislative decisions.
Opposition Parties: The New Democratic Party (NDP) held 21 seats, while the British Columbia Liberal Party held 7 seats.
Leadership Changes: Bill Vander Zalm resigned in April 1991, succeeded by Rita Johnston, who became the first woman to lead a provincial government in Canadian history.

How It Works

The functioning of the 34th Parliament followed standard Westminster-style parliamentary procedures, with a focus on legislative passage, budget approval, and executive accountability. Its operations were defined by term duration, leadership transitions, and key policy initiatives.

Term: The Parliament ran from December 15, 1987, to October 1991, lasting nearly four years before dissolution for the next election. This period included three regular legislative sessions and several special sittings.
Legislative Sessions: The Parliament held three annual sessions, each focusing on budget debates, infrastructure development, and public service reforms.
Budget Priorities: The government emphasized fiscal restraint and debt reduction, introducing modest tax adjustments and public sector efficiency measures.
Notable Legislation: Passed the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Implementation Act, aligning provincial laws with federal constitutional standards.
Controversies: The Kaslo-South Canoe scandal and Vander Zalm’s sale of his Fantasy Gardens property led to ethics investigations and public scrutiny.
Women in Politics: Rita Johnston’s ascension to Premier marked a historic milestone for gender representation in Canadian provincial leadership.
End of Term: The Parliament was dissolved in October 1991 ahead of the provincial election, which resulted in an NDP majority under Mike Harcourt.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparative overview of the 34th Parliament with the preceding and succeeding sessions in terms of composition, leadership, and outcomes.

Parliament	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Notable Leaders
33rd	1983–1986	Social Credit	49 / 75	Bill Bennett, Bill Vander Zalm
34th	1987–1991	Social Credit	47 / 75	Bill Vander Zalm, Rita Johnston
35th	1991–1996	NDP	51 / 75	Mike Harcourt, Glen Clark
36th	1996–2001	BC Liberal	33 / 75	Gordon Campbell
37th	2001–2005	BC Liberal	77 / 79	Gordon Campbell

This table illustrates the shifting political landscape in British Columbia. The 34th Parliament represented the final phase of Social Credit dominance before a significant shift to the NDP in 1991, reflecting voter concerns over ethics and governance.

Why It Matters

The 34th Parliament holds historical significance due to its role in shaping modern British Columbia politics, particularly in terms of leadership diversity and ethical governance debates. Its legacy includes both policy developments and cautionary tales about political conduct.

Historic First: Rita Johnston’s leadership made her the first woman Premier in Canadian history, breaking gender barriers in provincial politics.
Political Accountability: The Vander Zalm ethics controversy highlighted the need for stronger conflict-of-interest rules in government.
Electoral Impact: Public dissatisfaction contributed to the NDP’s landslide victory in 1991, ending 16 years of Social Credit rule.
Policy Continuity: Infrastructure projects initiated during this term, such as highway expansions, continued into the next decade.
Public Trust: The period underscored the importance of transparency in political financing and asset disclosure.
Institutional Change: The events of this Parliament influenced later reforms, including the creation of an independent Office of the Integrity Commissioner.

The 34th Parliament thus stands as a pivotal chapter in British Columbia’s democratic evolution, balancing achievement with controversy and setting the stage for future reforms.