What Is 35th Parliament of British Columbia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 35th Parliament of British Columbia was in session from 1993 to 1996, following the general election on October 19, 1993, and was dominated by the NDP, which held 51 of 75 seats.

Key Facts

The 35th Parliament of British Columbia convened on November 2, 1993, after the October 19 election.
It consisted of 75 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), with the NDP winning 51 seats.
Premier Mike Harcourt led the governing NDP during the first part of this parliamentary term.
The session ended with the 1996 provincial election, which saw the rise of the BC Liberals.
Key legislation included environmental initiatives and public sector reforms.

Overview

The 35th Parliament of British Columbia marked a pivotal era in provincial governance, operating between November 1993 and May 1996. It followed the New Democratic Party's (NDP) decisive victory in the October 19, 1993, general election, where they secured a strong majority with 51 out of 75 seats.

This parliamentary session was notable for its focus on social reform, environmental policy, and economic challenges. The legislature convened at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria, with key debates shaping the province’s trajectory into the late 1990s.

Term Start: The 35th Parliament officially began on November 2, 1993, following the swearing-in of elected MLAs.
NDP Majority: The governing NDP held a commanding majority, winning 51 seats compared to the BC Liberals’ 17 and Reform Party’s 7.
Leadership: Premier Mike Harcourt served as head of government until February 1996, when he resigned and was succeeded by Glen Clark.
Legislative Focus: The session emphasized healthcare reform, environmental protection, and Indigenous relations, including early treaty negotiations.
Duration: The Parliament lasted nearly three years, dissolving in May 1996 ahead of the next provincial election.

How It Works

Parliamentary sessions in British Columbia follow a structured process of lawmaking, debate, and executive accountability, with the 35th session reflecting standard procedures under a majority government.

Term: The 35th Parliament lasted from November 2, 1993, to May 30, 1996. This nearly three-year duration was typical for BC’s fixed-election cycle at the time, which allowed dissolution before fixed dates were introduced.
Legislative Process: Bills were introduced, debated in committees, and voted on in the Legislative Assembly, with majority support ensuring passage under the NDP’s control.
Executive Accountability: The Premier and Cabinet were required to answer questions during Question Period, maintaining democratic oversight despite the strong majority.
Session Structure: The Parliament held multiple sessions per year, including spring and fall sittings, with formal opening by the Lieutenant Governor.
Committee Work: Standing committees reviewed proposed legislation, such as the Environment and Land Use committees examining key bills.
Election Trigger: The Premier advised the Lieutenant Governor to dissolve Parliament in May 1996, leading to the May 28, 1996, general election.

Comparison at a Glance

The 35th Parliament can be better understood by comparing it to adjacent sessions in terms of composition, duration, and political outcomes.

Parliament	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Key Event
34th	1986–1991	NDP	50 of 75	Debt reduction focus
35th	1993–1996	NDP	51 of 75	Harcourt resignation
36th	1996–2001	BC Liberals	33 of 79	Shift to minority
37th	2001–2005	BC Liberals	77 of 79	Landslide victory
38th	2005–2009	BC Liberals	48 of 79	Carbon tax introduced

This comparison highlights how the 35th Parliament maintained NDP control but preceded a major political shift. The 1996 election ended the NDP’s dominance, ushering in a new era led by the BC Liberals. The transition reflected voter concerns over economic management and public debt.

Why It Matters

The 35th Parliament played a crucial role in shaping modern British Columbia through policy decisions and leadership changes that had lasting effects. Its legacy includes both progressive reforms and political challenges that influenced future elections.

Environmental Leadership: The government introduced the Environmental Assessment Act in 1996, strengthening oversight of major development projects.
Healthcare Expansion: The NDP expanded access to healthcare services, including mental health initiatives and hospital funding increases.
Treaty Process: The session advanced the BC Treaty Commission process, laying groundwork for modern Indigenous self-government negotiations.
Public Sector Reform: The government implemented efficiency reviews in ministries, aiming to reduce spending amid rising provincial debt.
Political Transition: Harcourt’s resignation in 1996 due to the Fast Ferry scandal marked a turning point, affecting public trust.
Electoral Impact: The 1996 election saw the BC Liberals gain momentum, signaling a shift away from NDP governance.

Ultimately, the 35th Parliament represents a transitional phase in BC’s political history—balancing progressive ambitions with fiscal realities, and setting the stage for significant change in the province’s governance landscape.