Early BC Elections

B-02767

Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken was a very important figure within Canadian politics.

He was elected as a member of the first Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island called together by James Douglas in 1856.

Doctor Helmcken's electoral district was Esquimalt and Metchosin. Within this area he gave speeches, handed out election propaganda, and sang election songs to try and convince the people to vote for him. He wrote this about his election dinner at

Craigflower Manor. " My election was a very pleasant affair."Noli me tangere" Kenneth Mckenzie proposed me at Craigflower. Of course I made a speech, a sort of schoolboy oration, but destitute of political knowledge, assuredly not political. The oration captivated my scotch friends for we were all like friends who asked me to write it out for them, which I did."
J.S. Helmcken Reminiscences
British Columbia Archives
AddMss 505

Victoria's first Legislative Assembly Copyright Victoria City Archives
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Members of the First Victoria Legislature

To find out more about Dr. Helmcken's election read his Election Song and visit the website: Dr. Helmcken - Pioneer Doctor and Legislator

Pretend that you are Dr. Helmcken and write your own election jingle about why:

Why Canada is Great!
Why your province is Great!
Why your city is Great!
Why your classroom is Great!

How do politicans today try convince voters to vote for them?