​​​The British instructions issued to the Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island, Richard Blanshard, authorized him to appoint a Legislative Council. On August 27, 1851, shortly before Blanshard resigned and left the colony, he nominated James Douglas, James Cooper, and John To​d to form the Legislative Council of the Colony of Vancouver Island. The primary purpose of the Council was to carry on the government of the colony until a new governor was appointed. Their first meeting was on August 30, 1851. James Douglas was appointed Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island shortly thereafter.​​
![](https://www.leg.bc.ca/sites/default/files/images/DYL/history/Fort%20Victoria%20g-08387.jpg)
Governor Blanshard's appointment of the first Vancouver Island Legislative Council, 1851.
![](https://www.leg.bc.ca/sites/default/files/images/DYL/history/VanIsleCouncil1.png)
![](https://www.leg.bc.ca/sites/default/files/images/DYL/history/Governor%20Blanshard.jpg)
![](https://www.leg.bc.ca/sites/default/files/images/DYL/history/Governor%20Douglas.jpg)