Age, Biography and Wiki

Rita Johnston (Rita Margaret Leichert) was born on 22 April, 1935 in Melville, Saskatchewan, is a Premier of British Columbia in 1991. Discover Rita Johnston's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is she in this year and how she spends money? Also learn how she earned most of networth at the age of 88 years old?

Popular As Rita Margaret Leichert
Occupation N/A
Age 88 years old
Zodiac Sign Taurus
Born 22 April, 1935
Birthday 22 April
Birthplace Melville, Saskatchewan
Nationality

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 22 April. She is a member of famous with the age 88 years old group.

Rita Johnston Height, Weight & Measurements

At 88 years old, Rita Johnston height not available right now. We will update Rita Johnston's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
Weight Not Available
Body Measurements Not Available
Eye Color Not Available
Hair Color Not Available

Who Is Rita Johnston's Husband?

Her husband is George Johnston (m. 1951)

Family
Parents Not Available
Husband George Johnston (m. 1951)
Sibling Not Available
Children Not Available

Rita Johnston Net Worth

Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Rita Johnston worth at the age of 88 years old? Rita Johnston’s income source is mostly from being a successful . She is from . We have estimated Rita Johnston's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income

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Timeline

1935

Rita Margaret Johnston (born April 22, 1935; née Leichert) is a Canadian politician in British Columbia.

1951

In 1951, she married George Johnston.

Much of her early life was spent running a trailer park in the city of Surrey, British Columbia.

Johnston first entered politics as a city councillor in Surrey.

1983

In 1983, she was elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia as part of the Social Credit Party, representing the provincial riding of Surrey.

1986

She was reelected in 1986 in the newly-created riding of Surrey-Newton and became a cabinet minister under Premier Bill Vander Zalm, serving in various portfolios.

She had previously served under Vander Zalm when she was a councilor and he was the mayor of Surrey.

The Socreds lost more than half of their popular vote from 1986 and were cut down to seven seats, falling to third place in the Legislative Assembly behind the NDP and Liberals.

Johnston herself lost her own seat to the NDP's Penny Priddy by over 10 points, and all but seven members of her cabinet were defeated.

Harcourt later said that he preferred facing Johnston rather than McCarthy, believing McCarthy would have been a tougher opponent in a general election.

1990

Vander Zalm appointed Johnston deputy premier in 1990.

1991

Johnston became the first female premier in Canadian history when she succeeded Bill Vander Zalm in 1991 to become the 29th premier of British Columbia, serving for seven months.

The daughter of John Leichert and Annie Chyzzy, she was educated in Vancouver.

When Vander Zalm resigned, on April 2, 1991, caucus selected her as interim leader over attorney general Russell Fraser by a vote of 21–17.

As such, she was appointed premier on April 2, 1991, making her Canada's first female first minister.

At a Social Credit party convention in July 1991, she was formally elected leader of the Socreds in an upset, narrowly defeating the frontrunner Grace McCarthy.

However, she had little time to implement any new programs since she faced a statutory general election later that year.

Johnston waited as long as she could, finally calling an election for October.

However, her long association with the scandal-plagued Vander Zalm hampered her chances of winning in her own right.

Her party was also bitterly divided because of the leadership contest, and she had little time to repair the breach before the writs were dropped.

The Socreds were heavily defeated by New Democratic Party, led by Mike Harcourt.

Moreover, many moderate Socreds switched their support to the previously moribund BC Liberals.

1992

Johnston resigned as leader of the Social Credit Party on January 11, 1992 and was replaced by McCarthy.

After her defeat, Johnston retired from politics and has had a low public profile.

2009

She returned to public life in 2009 as an advisor for the British Columbia Conservative Party.