Born on Galiano Island and raised in northern B.C., Iona Campagnolo’s public service began in Prince Rupert in 1966 as a school trustee. A stint in radio saw her named B.C. Broadcast Citizen of the year for 1972. The same year she was awarded the Order of Canada. Serving in parliament during much of the 70s, her name became synonymous with the Liberal Party of Canada.

She served in Pierre Trudeau’s cabinet. She was the first woman president of her party. Since 1993, she has been the director of the Montreal based International Center for Human Rights and Democratic Development. Recently completing a six-year term, she was the first chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia.

She continually pursues social justice. As chair of the Fraser Basin Council, she is committed to the economic and environmental sustainability of the Fraser River. She is director of The Arctic Institute of North America based in Calgary.