A community champion, passionate advocate for northern British Columbia and trailblazer in provincial politics, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northern British Columbia during this year’s convocation ceremony.
Six-term Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond will be recognized for her contributions on May 30th.
Her public service began with three terms on the Board of Trustees for School District No. 57 (Prince George), before serving over two decades as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia.
Bond held numerous influential positions including Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, Minister of Health Services and Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. She made history as the first woman to serve as Attorney General and Minister of Justice in British Columbia.
In addition, she also served as Leader of the Official Opposition and held several Opposition Critic roles.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve the people of northern British Columbia,” says Bond. “I have always believed that no matter where you live, you deserve access to quality healthcare, education and career opportunities, and I have fought to make that a reality for people living here.”
In addition, Bond played an instrumental role in securing critical investments in infrastructure and services for the region, including the creation of the Northern Medical Program at UNBC, the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre and the BC Cancer Centre for the North.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from UNBC,” she says. “I have always been a strong supporter of the University’s mission to provide world-class education and research opportunities right here in the North. UNBC is empowering the next generation of leaders.”
Most recently, Bond is serving as the Public Relations Director for the 2025 BC Special Olympics Summer Games that will be held in Prince George and has been part of the committee that has recently submitted a bid to hold the 2030 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in the city.
“I love where I live and one of the greatest rewards of my journey has been working alongside others to create meaningful, positive change,” says Bond. “If my efforts have encouraged even one person to get involved in making a difference in their community, that’s the greatest legacy I could hope for.”
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