Government
British columbia's Parliament Buildings are in Victoria, the capital since British Columbia became a province in 1871.The provincial lieutenant governor, who is selected by the federal government, is the representative of the Crown and the federal government in the province. He or she is the official, but not actual, head of government. The lawmaking body of the province is the one-chamber Legislative Assembly. Its 79 members are elected for four-year terms. Executive power is vested in the executive council, or cabinet, which is composed of a premier and his or her ministers. The premier is selected by the political party having a majority in the Legislative Assembly. The premier in turn selects the ministers from the members of the legislature. The judiciary consists of the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and the Provincial Court.
British Columbia is represented in Canada's parliament by 6 members appointed to the Senate and 32 elected to the House of Commons.
