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A Tribute to Mr. Dave Barrett
2-07-2018
David Barrett was a politician and social worker in British Columbia, Canada. He was the 26th Premier of British Columbia. He passed away on February 2, 2018.
“He cared deeply about this province and devoted much of his life to trying to make it a better and fairer place to live,” his family said in a statement Friday afternoon. “His love of the province was surpassed only by his devotion to his family.”
I also want to pay tribute to Dave Barrett.
During my long Public Service career dating back to 1966, I had the pleasure to serve ten premiers. I will always fondly remember Mr. Barrett who was well known for his public speaking and held his seat through four elections. I have many fond memories during his period. Like Mr. Barrett, I too started my career in the fields of corrections and social work. He always took special interest in Public Service and was helpful to me along with his Minister of Social Services, the late Norm Levi who Incidentally was also a Social Worker.
Mr. Barrett was a very likeable, kind and considerate human being.
The Barrett government substantially reformed the welfare system, initiated a number of reforms such as establishing the Province's Labour Relations Board, and expanded the public sector. The NDP also brought in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) to protect the small supply of farm land in BC. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) was formed to provide government car insurance.
On social policy spectrum he made significant impact in the Province of British Columbia and in 1973, B.C. banned corporal punishment in all schools.
There is sadness when someone you hold in high respect passes away. Mr. Barrett will be in my thoughts and not forgotten. I convey my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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