B.C. politics without Gordon Campbell

For what seemed to be an eter­nity, Campbell was a dominant figure in B.C. politics. Even with the tax revolt that was sparked by the hated harmonized sales tax, it previously appeared that he was set on digging on for the long haul, possibly going for a fourth term in the 2013 elections. Campbell started his career in pol­itics in 1973 when he started work­ing as an executive assistant to Van­couver Mayor Art Phillips.

From 1984 to 1986, he served as Vancouver city councilor. Campbell was elected Vancouver mayor in 1986, and served until 1993. In 1993, Campbell was elected leader of the B.C. Liberals. He was first elected to the B.C. Legislative Assembly in 1994 in a by-election in the riding of Vancouver-Quilchena. Campbell was re­elected in 1996 and 2001 in the rid­ing of Vancouver-Point Grey. During these years, Campbell served as Leader of the Opposition.

In 2001, Campbell led the B.C. Liberals to a massive victory, win­ning 77 of the 79 seats in the legis­lative assembly. He was sworn in as Premier of B.C.Campbell led the B.C. Liberals to two more majority governments in the 2005 and 2009 provincial elec­tions. Campbell’s troubles started short­ly after the 2009 elections when his government introduced the HST. Popular anger had been directed at the premier, which the seasoned politician acknowledged in his No­vember 3 statement. “When public debate becomes focused on one person, instead of what is in the best interest of Brit­ish Columbians, we have lost sight about what is important,” he said. “When that happens, it’s time for a change.”

“This decision is what I believe is in the best interest of British Co­lumbia, our government, our party and the people of our province. At a time like this, everyone’s attention should be focused on helping our economy rebound from the global recession and moving forward with an agenda that families can see is in their long-term interest,” he stated. “It’s been quite a run and more fun than not. I have always been moti­vated by what is best for this great province and this great country,” he also said.