Remembering a Political Trailblazer: Iona Campagnolo’s Legacy in British Columbia

Iona Campagnolo, a prominent figure in Canadian politics, passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of trailblazing achievements that shaped British Columbia’s political landscape. Born in Vancouver in 1932, Campagnolo served as the founding Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) from 1992-1998, witnessing the early growth of the institution.

Her political journey began in 1966 when she was elected to the Prince Rupert School Board, later transitioning to a role as a Prince Rupert City Councillor. Campagnolo’s diverse career saw her excel in broadcasting, winning the BC Broadcaster of the Year award in 1973 during her time at CHTK Radio.

In 1974, Campagnolo made a mark on the national stage by becoming the Skeena Liberal Party MLA. This paved the way for her to serve as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development from 1974 to 1976. She further expanded her impact as the Minister of State for Fitness and Amateur Sport.

Janet Austin, the current Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, paid tribute to Campagnolo’s legacy, highlighting her commitment to reconciliation and community building. Campagnolo’s contributions were recognized with Indigenous names, Notz-whe-Neah and Saan-naag-Kaawaass, symbolized by the Orca and Haida Eagle, respectively.

During her tenure as Lieutenant Governor, Campagnolo dedicated herself to celebrating British Columbians’ achievements. She established initiatives such as the BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards and the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence, championing local winemaking and literary talent.

Campagnolo’s remarkable career was punctuated by several ‘firsts,’ including being the first woman President of the Liberal Party of Canada and the inaugural Chancellor of UNBC. Her advocacy for historical preservation led to the designation of Government House and its grounds as a National Historic Site in 2003.