As provinces are not constitutionally allowed to maintain militaries, they were quickly transferred by order to the federal government within 48 hours and entered service with the Royal Canadian Navy in August 1914.

The government's popularity waned as an economic downturn hit the province along with the mounting railway debts.

The small community of McBride, British Columbia, was named after this premier during the time he was in office.

Also named for the premier, the McBride River in northern British Columbia is a major tributary of the Stikine.

Mount McBride, a peak in Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island, is also named after the premier.