The British Columbia provincial election in 1996 was held on May 28, 1996. The election was called by the incumbent New Democratic Party (NDP) Premier, Mike Harcourt, who had formed a majority government after the 1991 election. The election saw a relatively high level of voter turnout, with approximately 70% of eligible voters casting a ballot.

The main issues in the 1996 election included healthcare, education, the economy, and the environment. The NDP campaigned on its record in government, emphasizing its investments in healthcare, education, and social services. The Liberal Party focused on economic issues, promising to reduce taxes, create jobs, and attract investment to the province. The Reform Party campaigned on a platform of fiscal conservatism and reducing the size of government.

In the end, the election resulted in a majority government for the NDP, which won 39 seats in the 75-seat Legislative Assembly. The Liberal Party won 33 seats, while the Reform Party won 2 seats. Glen Clark became Premier of British Columbia, succeeding Mike Harcourt, who had resigned as Premier before the election due to a scandal involving a bingo licensing issue.

The election saw the emergence of the Reform Party as a significant political force in the province, with the party winning almost 10% of the popular vote and two seats in the legislature.

Overall, the 1996 British Columbia provincial election saw a continuation of the NDP government's focus on healthcare, education, and social services, with economic and fiscal issues also playing a significant role in the election. The election also marked the emergence of the Reform Party as a significant political force in the province, a trend that would continue in subsequent elections.