Walter Alfred Don Munday [1890–1950] and Phyllis Munday [1894–1990] named this peak “Mount Aspiration” in 1925, but in the commemorations of the Premier protocol, it was renamed to honour John Oliver [1856–1927], premier of British Columbia from 1921 to 1927.

Born in England, Oliver moved to Ontario with his family in 1870, and five years later moved to Delta, B.C. In 1886, he married Elizabeth Woodward, and they had five sons and three daughters. He was elected to the provincial legislature in 1900. His appearance was that of the successful farmer with his heavy tweeds, solid boots, and cloth cap. As leader of the opposition Liberal party, Oliver lost his seat in 1909. He was re-elected in 1916, when the Liberals formed the government, and was appointed minister of Agriculture and Railways. In 1918, at the death of Harlan Brewster, Oliver became premier. Under Oliver’s leadership, the sale of liquor became a government monopoly, and “John Oliver’s drug stores” opened in various parts of the province.

Oliver visited McBride in 1925. His daughter taught school and was principal in McBride in the early 1920s.