Berger was quickly labelled an extreme socialist by WAC Bennett and his Social Credit opponents when he stood by the party’s policy to nationalize the BC Telephone Company. Social Credit was relentless, labelling Berger a pro-union, godless Marxist. Berger declined to respond in kind, believing the public disliked negative politics. He was wrong. The 1969 election was a disaster for the NDP. The party won only 12 seats – its worst showing since it was founded – and Berger lost his own seat.
The 1969 election
