The British Columbia provincial election in 1972 was held on August 30, 1972. The election was called by the incumbent Social Credit Party Premier, W.A.C. Bennett, who had formed a majority government after the 1969 election. The election saw a relatively high level of voter turnout, with approximately 75% of eligible voters casting a ballot.

The main issues in the 1972 election included healthcare, education, the economy, and the environment. The Social Credit Party campaigned on its record in government, emphasizing its efforts to balance the budget, reduce taxes, and attract investment to the province. The New Democratic Party (NDP) focused on social issues, promising to invest in healthcare, education, and social services. The Liberal Party campaigned on a platform of economic growth, promising to create jobs and attract investment to the province.

In the end, the election resulted in a majority government for the NDP, which won 38 seats in the 55-seat Legislative Assembly. The Social Credit Party won 12 seats, while the Liberal Party won 5 seats. Dave Barrett became Premier of British Columbia, succeeding W.A.C. Bennett, who had been in office since 1952.

The election marked a significant shift in the province's political landscape, with the NDP winning a majority government and ending the Social Credit Party's 20-year reign in power. The NDP's focus on social issues and investment in healthcare, education, and social services resonated with voters, and the party's victory marked a new era of government in British Columbia.

Overall, the 1972 British Columbia provincial election saw a shift in the province's politics, with the NDP's focus on social issues and progressive policies becoming a defining feature of British Columbia's political landscape. The election also marked the emergence of Dave Barrett as a significant political force in the province, a trend that would continue in subsequent elections.