Born in Kelowna, British Columbia, he was the son of the former Premier, W.A.C. Bennett and following his father's resignation, Bill Bennett was elected on September 7, 1973 as the Social Credit Party Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for South Okanagan.
He was voted the leader of the Party on November 23, 1975, at a convention in Whistler, British Columbia. In the election of December 11, 1979 the Social Credit Party was re-elected with a majority and William R. Bennett became the new Premier. He served until August 6, 1986.
His government slashed social services in response to economic woes in 1983, brought the 1986 World Exposition to Vancouver, distributed free shares to British Columbians for British Columbia Resources Investment Corporation, a holding company which ultimately flopped, and constructed the Coquihalla Highway.
He is currently retired, dividing his time between his hometown of Kelowna and Palm Springs.
He is generally highly respected among British Columbians.
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Preceded by: Dave Barrett |
List of British Columbia premiers |
Succeeded by: Bill Vander Zalm |