It was a who’s who of Prince George at the Coast Hotel last night (Friday), as more than 350 people gathered to honour longtime Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond.
Bond’s career in the legislature was unceremoniously cut short this year when the BC United Party suspended their campaign, and leader Kevin Falcon threw his support behind the BC Conservatives.
“This is not how I expected my career to end,” Bond said in her remarks.
“I always believed that it would be one of two ways, that I would, as a former MP said to me, be democratically retired, in other words, the voters would send me home, or that I would make the choice with my family, when to call it quits. That didn’t happen, but I’m finding my way, and my heart tonight is full of gratitude.”
“While my career didn’t end the way that I expected it to, I know, or I’m getting to know, that there’s a new chapter ahead.”
Several notable people in provincial politics were in attendance, including Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, Former BC Premier Christy Clark, BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau, and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.
Countless others who were unable to attend provided video messages, including BC Premier David Eby, Former Premier Gordon Campbell, and players from both the BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks.
Bond was also presented a football from the Lions, and a custom jersey signed by this year’s Canucks team.
“She’s dedicated her life and her heart to the people of Prince George, and to this province we all love so very much,” Austin said.
“She’s earned the respect of allies and opponents alike, a rare feat that speaks to the depth of her character and good intent.”
“Thank you for being a uniter, when so many people are trying to divide us,” Clark said in her remarks.
“For being someone who knows that solutions are only found when everyone is around the table, and no matter how diverse their views might be, that we can find solutions. Thank you for being that person, who reminds us all that this is not about us, it’s not about the politicians, it’s not about the political parties, it’s about people, it’s about families, it’s about people’s hopes for a better future, no one holds that truth closer to their heart, than you do my friend.”
“What I wanted to say and what I want to say in person, is how much I appreciate the work that Shirley, you have done for the people of Prince George and for the people of the North and the people of British Columbia,” said Premier Eby in a video message.
“I always knew, even in the most heated moments of question period or debate that your priorities were the people in your community and and people in the province. It’s an increasingly and disturbingly rare thing that across the aisle, a member can both be an aggressive advocate, and also a good and collegial colleague, but you exemplified that.”
The proceeds from last night’s event will go to the Bill Bond Memorial Fund.
The fund was established through the Prince George Community Foundation, provides annual funding to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, as well as funds to the Heart and Stroke Foundation to purchase AEDs, battery packs, and stands as required in Prince George, McBride, and Valemount.
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