British Columbia remains Canada’s most politically dynamic province. This book — which includes coverage of the 2009 provincial election — provides an overview of BC’s institutions, key policy issues, and political culture, with concise chapters contributed by many of the province’s leading political scientists.

PART I: Introduction

1. Introduction (The Editors)

PART II: Context

2. Political Economy (Michael Howlett, Keith Brownsey, & Joshua Newman)
3. Federalism, Confederation, and Intergovernmental Relations (Hamish Telford)
4. Identities: Class, Region, Gender, Diversity (Matt James)
5. Regionalism (Tracy Summerville)

PART III: Democracy in British Columbia

6. Democracy, BC-style (Dennis Pilon)
7. Political Parties (Stephen Phillips)
8. Elections and Voting Behaviour (Lynda Erickson)
9. Media (Marc Edge)
10. NGOs and Interest Groups (Mark Crawford)

PART IV: Government

11. The Legislature (Norman Ruff)
12. The Executive (Norman Ruff)
13. Public Service (Evert Lindquist, John Langford, & Thea Vakil)
14. Communities and Local Government (Patrick Smith, Kevin Ginnell, & Matthew Black)
15. First Nations (Christopher Alcantara & Iain Kent)

PART V: Policy Issues

16. Health (Alan Davidson)
17. Social Welfare (Kathy Teghtsoonian)
18. Resources (George Hoberg)
19. The Environment (Heather Smith)
20. Culture and Tourism (Catherine Murray)