Home > Gordon Wilson (Canadian politician)

Prior to becoming leader of the British Columbia Liberal Party in 1987, Wilson was a largely unknown political figure in BC. His party had been in the political wilderness for some years after not electing any MLAs in the 1979, 1983, and 1986 elections. He ran unsuccessfully in a by-election in Vancouver in 1988.

In the 1991 provincial election there was great resentment towards the ruling Social Credit Party of British Columbia and Premier Rita Johnston, but also skepticism towards the opposition New Democratic Party. As a third choice, Wilson's party grew in the polls, but not significantly. His biggest break came after he successfully negotiated his way into the televised leaders' debate, along with Premier Johnston and NDP leader Michael Harcourt. During the debate Johnston and Harcourt exchanged many bitter attacks, while Wilson, still not considered a serious contender, was able to successfully portray himself as an "outsider" who was above the partisan bickering of the other two parties.

After the debate, Wilson's support dramatically rose, surprising even him. When the election finally came Wilson's Liberals ended up finishing second place in both legislative seats and the popular vote, and becoming the official opposition to a new NDP government, and relegating the Socreds to a distant third.

Wilson was perceived by some observers as being more lucky than skilled in his 1991 electoral success. He was elected along with 16 other MLA's (almost all of whom had very limited political experience). He openly admitted that his second-place victory was a surprise and, as a relatively inexperienced politician, his leadership of the party was erratic. He quickly managed to alienate most of his caucus, especially his more conservative supporters. A call for a leadership review came in 1993. He was challenged by former provincial Liberal leader Gordon Gibson and Vancouver Mayor Gordon Campbell. With strong support from Gary Collins , Campbell was successfully in winning the leadership and deposing Wilson.

Wilson left the party along Judi Tyabji and the two formed their own party, the Progressive Democratic AllianceThe Progressive Democratic Alliance was a centrist political party in British Columbia, Canada founded by Gordon Wilson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. Wilson had previously been the leader of the Liberal Party of Brit. They did not manage to build much of a following and only Wilson was re-elected as a member of the provincial legislature under the new party label. With about 6% of the popular vote, the party placed fourth after the NDP, Liberals, and BC Reform Party .

In 19971997 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar), and was designated the International Year of the Reef''. Events January January 3 NBC's Today Show Bryant Gumbel signs off for the last time January 8 Mister Rogers receives a star on t he accepted a cabinetAlternate meanings in cabinet (disambiguation A Cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of government, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers . In some countries, particularly those position in the NDP government, which was widely criticized among his former supporters.

He made a run for the leadership of the BC NDP in 2000 but withdrew on the eve of the vote as it was clear he would place a distant third.

He lost his bid for re-election in the May 2001 provincial election.

Since the election he and his wife, Judy Tyabji, have been working to develop trade relations with India.