In 1983, the Social Credit government, led by Bill Bennett (son of W.A.C. Bennett), introduced policies of widespread fiscal restraint designed to combat a sharp economic downturn in the province. Major cutbacks were proposed in social services, education, and labour leading to demonstrations and work stoppages throughout the summer and fall.
At 4:50 am on October 6 of that same year, during a round-the-clock sitting of the Legislative Assembly to debate the Public Sector Restraint Act, 1983, the New Democratic Party Opposition Leader and former Premier, Dave Barrett, was physically removed from the Legislative Chamber after repeatedly disregarding the authority of the Speaker.
Barrett's removal marked the first time in the history of the Legislative Assembly that an MLA had to be forcibly removed. The bill received Royal Assent on October 12, 1983.
