Bill Bennett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Bennett
PC OBC
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| 27th Premier of British Columbia | |
| In office December 22, 1975 – August 6, 1986 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Lieutenant Governor | Walter S. Owen Henry P. Bell-Irving Robert G. Rogers |
| Preceded by | Dave Barrett |
| Succeeded by | Bill Vander Zalm |
| Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for Okanagan South South Okanagan (1973-1979) |
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| In office September 7, 1973 – October 22, 1986 |
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| Preceded by | W. A. C. Bennett |
| Succeeded by | Clifford Jack Serwa Larry Chalmers |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Richards Bennett
April 14, 1932 Kelowna, British Columbia |
| Died | December 3, 2015 (aged 83) Kelowna, British Columbia |
| Political party | Social Credit Party |
| Spouse | Audrey Bennett |
| Children | 4 |
William Richards Bennett, often known as Bill Bennett, (April 14, 1932 – December 3, 2015) was an important political leader in British Columbia, Canada. He served as the 27th Premier of British Columbia from 1975 to 1986. A premier is like the head of the government for a province, similar to a prime minister for a country. Bill Bennett was the son of another former Premier, W. A. C. Bennett.
Bill Bennett was elected to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly (the province's parliament) on September 7, 1973. He represented the area of South Okanagan. His father was also named William, but people usually called him "W.A.C." To tell them apart, his son was known as "Bill."
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Becoming a Political Leader
In November 1973, Bill Bennett was chosen as the leader of the Social Credit Party. This happened at a big meeting in Whistler, British Columbia. At this meeting, the party also changed its name to the British Columbia Social Credit Party.
Bill Bennett worked hard to build a strong political team. He brought together different groups of people who supported his ideas. This helped the Social Credit Party become very successful.
Leading British Columbia
Bill Bennett became the Premier of British Columbia after his party won the election in 1975. His party won again in the 1979 election and the 1983 election. He served as Premier until August 6, 1986.
During his time as Premier, Bill Bennett helped start the BC Winter Games and BC Summer Games in 1978. These are big sports events for young athletes in British Columbia. An award was later named in his honor. In 2008, he presented this award in his hometown, Kelowna, where the BC Summer Games were held that year.
His government made some big changes and started many large projects. These included bringing Expo 86 to Vancouver, which was a huge world's fair. They also built important structures like BC Place stadium, the SkyTrain rapid transit system, and the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre. His government also built the Coquihalla Highway, a major road that connects different parts of the province. They also invested in projects like the Northeast coal project to create jobs.
Life After Politics
After leaving politics, Bill Bennett remained a respected figure, especially among people who shared his political views. He even advised a later BC Premier, Gordon Campbell.
In 2007, Bill Bennett received the Order of British Columbia. This is the highest award given in British Columbia for great achievements. A new bridge across Okanagan Lake in Kelowna is named the William R. Bennett Bridge in his honor.
Later Years and Passing
Around 2007, Bill Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He passed away on December 3, 2015, at the age of 83.
