Bill Barlee
| Bill Barlee | |
|---|---|
| MLA for Boundary-Similkameen | |
|
In office 1986–1991 Serving with Ivan Messmer |
|
| Preceded by | Jim Hewitt |
| Succeeded by | riding dissolved |
| MLA for Okanagan-Boundary | |
|
In office 1991–1996 |
|
| Preceded by | first member |
| Succeeded by | Bill Barisoff |
| Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of British Columbia | |
|
In office November 5, 1991 – September 15, 1993 |
|
| Premier | Michael Harcourt |
| Preceded by | Larry Chalmers |
| Succeeded by | David Zirnhelt |
| Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture of British Columbia | |
|
In office September 15, 1993 – June 17, 1996 |
|
| Premier | Michael Harcourt, Glen Clark |
| Preceded by | David Zirnhelt |
| Succeeded by | Penny Priddy |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Neville Langrell Barlee October 15, 1932 Grand Forks, British Columbia |
| Died | June 14, 2012 (aged 79) Victoria, British Columbia |
| Political party | New Democrat |
Neville Langrell (Bill) Barlee (October 15, 1932 – June 14, 2012) was a Canadian politician who was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia as a New Democrat in 1988. He served as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from 1991 until 1993 and then as Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture from 1993 until 1996.
Barlee was also well known for his popular TV show on the history of Canada West which he co-hosted with Mike Roberts. This award-winning television series Gold Trails and Ghost Towns, ran from 1986 to 1996 on five different networks nationwide. The show is still seen in reruns.
He had a varied career as a high school teacher, writer, publisher, and placer miner. He left teaching to write, publish and become a small businessman. His history magazine "Canada West" had faithful subscribers and his books included two best-sellers: "Gold Creeks and Ghost Towns" and the "Guide to Goldpanning". Over his life, he and his wife carefully amassed an impressive collection of Old West artifacts. Parts of the Barlee collection were placed on display in the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa as well as museums in British Columbia.
In 1988 Barlee was elected as an NDP MLA. When the NDP became government, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. During his time as Agriculture Minister, Barlee conceived of, and implemented the successful "Buy BC" program, to support BC farmers. The Buy BC logo can now be found on virtually all food products made or grown in B.C. He also served as Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture. Vancouver Sun columnist Denny Boyd credited Barlee as being one of the best Tourism Ministers B.C. has ever had.
Barlee received a number of honours during his career including the "Golden Door" award from the BC and Yukon Hotel Association; the "Stellar Award" by the BC Restaurants and Food Services Association; and the "Visionary Award" from the BC Council of Tourism Associations.
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