Gordon Campbell, Canadian educator and politician, 34th Premier of British Columbia

Gordon Muir Campbell, born on January 12, 1948, is a distinguished figure in Canadian public life, recognized for his extensive career as a retired diplomat and influential politician. His career spanned significant roles at both the municipal and provincial levels in Canada, culminating in key diplomatic appointments on the international stage. Campbell's political journey is marked by his tenure as the 35th Mayor of Vancouver and the 34th Premier of British Columbia, followed by crucial diplomatic service abroad.

A Transformative Municipal Leader: Mayor of Vancouver (1986-1993)

Gordon Campbell first rose to prominence in Canadian politics as the 35th Mayor of Vancouver, serving two terms from 1986 to 1993. His mayoral period was pivotal for Vancouver, following the highly successful Expo 86 World's Fair. During his leadership, Campbell was instrumental in managing the city's post-Expo growth and development. He focused on urban planning initiatives that laid the groundwork for Vancouver's future as a vibrant international city, including the revitalization of its downtown core and the initial phases of transforming former industrial lands into residential and commercial spaces. His administration emphasized fiscal responsibility and strategic urban development, setting a foundation for the city's continued economic and population growth.

Premier of British Columbia: A Decade of Leadership (2001-2011)

Campbell's political influence expanded significantly when he became the leader of the British Columbia Liberal Party in 1993. He revitalized the party, leading it to a historic landslide victory in the 2001 provincial election, securing 77 out of 79 seats. This overwhelming mandate propelled him into the role of the 34th Premier of British Columbia, a position he held for nearly a decade, from 2001 to 2011. His premiership was characterized by ambitious policy reforms and significant provincial undertakings. Key initiatives and events during his time as Premier include:

• Fiscal Restructuring: Upon taking office, Campbell's government embarked on a program of fiscal restraint aimed at balancing the provincial budget, which involved significant adjustments to public spending in the initial years but ultimately led to a period of budget surpluses.
• Economic Development: He championed policies to foster economic growth, particularly in the province's natural resource sectors, and worked to attract new investments to British Columbia.
• Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics: A crowning achievement of his premiership was successfully securing and overseeing the preparations for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. This mega-event significantly boosted British Columbia's global profile, attracting substantial infrastructure development and tourism.
• Carbon Tax Introduction: In 2008, his government introduced Canada's first broad-based carbon tax, a groundbreaking environmental policy designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making pollution more expensive. This tax was revenue-neutral, with the funds returned to taxpayers through tax cuts.
• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST): One of the most contentious policies of his tenure was the implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in 2010, which merged the provincial sales tax with the federal Goods and Services Tax. While intended to streamline the tax system and boost the economy, its introduction generated widespread public opposition and ultimately led to a citizen-initiated referendum that resulted in its repeal after his resignation.
• BC Rail Sale: The controversial divestiture of the publicly-owned BC Rail's freight operations was another significant policy decision during his premiership.

Distinguished Diplomatic Service (2011-2016)

Following his political career, Gordon Campbell transitioned into the field of international diplomacy, serving in two prominent roles:

• Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2011-2016): As Canada's senior diplomatic representative in the United Kingdom, Campbell played a vital role in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two Commonwealth nations. This position involved promoting Canadian interests, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and providing consular services to Canadian citizens abroad.
• Canada's Representative to the Ismaili Imamat (2014-2016): From 2014 to 2016, he also served as Canada's representative to the Ismaili Imamat, a unique diplomatic appointment that underscored Canada's strong relationship with the Ismaili community and its global humanitarian and development initiatives, largely spearheaded by His Highness the Aga Khan. This role involved fostering cooperation on issues such as global development, pluralism, and civil society engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gordon Campbell's Career

When was Gordon Campbell Mayor of Vancouver?

Gordon Campbell served as the 35th Mayor of Vancouver from 1986 to 1993.

What were some key achievements during Gordon Campbell's premiership in British Columbia?

During his tenure as the 34th Premier of British Columbia (2001-2011), key achievements included successfully hosting the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, implementing Canada's first broad-based carbon tax, and overseeing a period of significant fiscal restructuring and economic development. He also transformed the BC Liberal Party into a dominant political force.

What diplomatic roles did Gordon Campbell hold after his political career?

After retiring from provincial politics, Gordon Campbell served as the Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2016. Additionally, from 2014 to 2016, he held the unique position of Canada's representative to the Ismaili Imamat.