Bill Bennett, Canadian lawyer and politician, 27th Premier of British Columbia (d. 2015)

William Richards Bennett, often simply known as Bill Bennett, was a towering figure in British Columbia politics, serving as the province's 27th Premier from 1975 to 1986. Born on April 14, 1932, he passed away on December 3, 2015, leaving behind a significant legacy. His political life was notably shaped by his lineage, being the son of another prominent former Premier, W. A. C. Bennett, and a distant cousin to a Canadian Prime Minister.

Political Roots and Dynastic Connections

Hailing from a family deeply entrenched in Canadian political history, William Richards Bennett was the son of Annie Elizabeth May (Richards) and William Andrew Cecil Bennett, widely known as W. A. C. Bennett, who himself led British Columbia for two decades. This dynastic connection often set the stage for Bill's own career. Furthermore, the Bennett family's political ties extended even further, as he was a third cousin, twice removed, of R.B. Bennett, who served as Canada's eleventh Prime Minister.

Stepping into the Political Arena

Following his illustrious father's retirement from the political stage, Bill Bennett embarked on his own path. He successfully sought election on September 7, 1973, becoming a Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the South Okanagan riding. Representing the British Columbia Social Credit League, the very party his father had led for so long, his entry into provincial politics marked a new chapter for the Bennetts in Victoria.

The Premier's Office (1975-1986)

His political ascent was swift, and just two years after becoming an MLA, Bill Bennett took the helm as Premier of British Columbia in 1975, a position he held for eleven years until 1986. His premiership was a transformative period for the province, marked by significant policy decisions and economic shifts, navigating both prosperity and challenging fiscal times, often characterized by his distinctive brand of fiscal conservatism and economic pragmatism.

A Tale of Two Williams: Distinguishing the Bennetts

The shared first name, William, between father and son often led to confusion, necessitating distinct identifiers in the public sphere. While his father was ubiquitously known in the media as "W.A.C." or affectionately by friends as "Cece," the younger Bennett was commonly referred to as "Bill" to avoid ambiguity. This simple distinction became a practical necessity in the bustling world of provincial politics, where personal branding and clear identification were crucial.

The Legacy of Nicknames: "Wacky" and "Mini-Wac"

Beyond the formal names, a more colourful aspect of their public personas emerged through political nicknames. His formidable father, W.A.C. Bennett, earned the moniker "Wacky" from political opponents, a term that, surprisingly, was also adopted with a degree of pride by some of his supporters, reflecting his unconventional, strong-willed, and often assertive style. In turn, the media, seeking to draw a parallel or perhaps suggest a scaled-down version of the elder statesman, occasionally dubbed the younger Bennett "Mini-Wac." This nickname, too, originated from opposition circles but found a degree of acceptance, perhaps acknowledging the undeniable shadow and legacy of his iconic father, while subtly highlighting his own distinct approach to leadership within the same political tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was William Richards Bennett?

William Richards Bennett, widely known as Bill Bennett, was a prominent Canadian politician who served as the 27th Premier of British Columbia from 1975 to 1986. He was the son of former Premier W. A. C. Bennett.

When did Bill Bennett serve as Premier of British Columbia?

Bill Bennett served as Premier of British Columbia for eleven years, from 1975 to 1986.

What was his relationship to other prominent Canadian politicians?

Bill Bennett was the son of former British Columbia Premier W. A. C. Bennett, and he was also a third cousin, twice removed, of R.B. Bennett, who was the eleventh Prime Minister of Canada.

How was he distinguished from his father, W. A. C. Bennett?

To avoid confusion due to their shared first name, William, the son was commonly referred to as "Bill," while his father was known in the media as "W.A.C." or by friends as "Cece."

What was the origin of the nickname "Mini-Wac"?

The nickname "Mini-Wac" was used by some in the media to refer to the younger Bill Bennett. It was derived from his father's nickname, "Wacky," which was initially coined by political opponents but eventually embraced by some supporters, reflecting the distinct yet connected political styles of father and son.