1945 British Columbia general election

October 25, 1945
48 seats of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia 25 seats needed for a majority
First party Second party   CCF Leader John Hart (Liberal leader) Harold Winch Party Liberal-Conservative Coalition Co-operative Commonwealth Leader since 1941 1938 Leader's seat Victoria City Vancouver East Last election 33[1] 14 Seats won 37 10 Seat change 4 4 Popular vote 261,147 175,960 Percentage 55.83% 37.62% Swing 8.02pp 4.26pp
Premier before election John Hart Coalition Premier after election John Hart Coalition

The 1945 British Columbia general election was the 21st general election in the Province of British Columbia, Canada. It was held to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The election was called on August 31, 1945, and held on October 25, 1945. The new legislature met for the first time on February 21, 1946.

A centre-right coalition was formed by the Liberal and Conservative parties in order to defeat the social democratic Co-operative Commonwealth Federation.

Although the Coalition won fewer votes than the Liberal and Conservative parties won in total in the previous election, the Coalition still won over half of the votes, and was able to form a majority government.

Results

Notes:

* Party did not nominate candidates in the previous election.

¹ Compared to Liberal + Conservative total from previous election

² Various groups joined forces under the Social Credit name to contest the election.

³ Thomas Dufferin Pattullo (Prince Rupert), former premier and Liberal Party leader, ran as an Independent, and is included as such.

⁴ Includes L.H. MacQueen (Saanich), classified as an Independent PC since the Progressive Conservative Party, formerly the Conservative Party, was officially running as part of the Coalition and did not consider MacQueen as a legitimate party candidate.

Results by riding

See also

• List of British Columbia political parties