Retired politician and social worker Dave Barrett was named to the Order of B.C. yesterday, along with former PM Kim Campbell and 12 others.

While premier, Barrett's government substantially reformed the welfare system, initiated a number of reforms such as establishing the province's Labour Relations Board, and expanded the public sector.

His government also introduced a question period and full Hansard transcripts of legislative proceedings, banned spankings in all schools, and created the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).

The NDP were defeated by the Socreds under Bill Bennett Jr. in 1975.

In later years, Barrett sat as an MP and ran for, but failed to claim, the federal NDP leadership.

In 2011, he was elected by Tyee readers to The Tyee's People's Order of B.C.. The Tyee launched the alternative order in response to the controversy surrounding the choice of Gordon Campell, David Emerson, and Ken Dobell.

Kim Campbell is a Canadian politician, lawyer, professor, diplomat and writer. She was Canada's first female minister of justice and eventually succeeded Brian Mulroney to become Canada's first and only female prime minister and the first and only prime minister born in B.C.

In the subsequent election, her Progressive Conservatives lost power in a landslide to Jean Chretien's Liberal party.

Also inducted into this year's Order of B.C. (with descriptions from the Order of B.C. news release):

Sister Nancy Brown of Vancouver -- advocate for homeless and vulnerable young people.

Dr. Peter L. Cooperberg of Vancouver -- world leader in the medical use of ultrasound.

Christopher Gaze of Vancouve -- cultural leader and founder of the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival.

Rick Harry (Xwalacktun) of West Vancouver -- internationally renowned artist, teacher and link between First Nations and other British Columbians.

Norman B. Keevil of Vancouver -- mining industry pioneer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Hassan Khosrowshahi of Vancouver -- entrepreneur, builder and generous supporter of community organizations.

Marion Lay of Vancouver -- world class swimmer, sport leader and inspiration for women athletes.

Carol Matthews of Nanaimo -- community leader, educator and tireless voice for social justice.

Djavad Mowafaghian of North Vancouver -- business leader, builder and philanthropist.

James E. Ogilvie of Kimberley -- innovative community leader.

Tricia C.M. Smith, C.M. of Vancouver -- world-class athlete, sport leader and example for B.C. women.

Dr. Robert B. Thirsk formerly of New Westminster -- astronaut, mechanical engineer, physician and role model.

The following people were on the selection committee:

Lance S. G. Finch (Chair), chief justice of British Columbia

Bill Barisoff, speaker of the legislative assembly and MLA for Penticton

Dr. Ralph Nilson, president and vice-chancellor, Vancouver Island University

Heath Slee, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities

Pierrette Maranda, associate deputy minister, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Yuri Fulmer, O.B.C.

Baljit Sethi, O.B.C.

Geoff D'Auria is The Tyee's web manager and front page editor.