Long-serving northern B.C. leader to receive honorary degree
Guided by a deep commitment to northern British Columbia, Shirley Bonds groundbreaking political career and tireless advocacy have shaped vital investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure building stronger communities across the region she calls home.
Prince George, B.C. Shirley Bond, 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 the 2025 Convocation ceremony.
Bond has spent her career working to improve the lives of people living in Prince George, throughout the region and across the province.
Her public service began with three terms on the Board of Trustees for School District No. 57 (Prince George), before serving more than two decades as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia. With more than 16 years of Cabinet experience, 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.
The five-term MLA 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.
Known for her fierce advocacy, 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 蹤獲扞⑹, the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre and the BC Cancer Centre for the North.
I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from 蹤獲扞⑹, she says. I have always been a strong supporter of the Universitys mission to provide world-class education and research opportunities right here in the North. 蹤獲扞⑹ is empowering the next generation of leaders.
Beyond her political career, Bond has been a dedicated volunteer and mentor, with her passion to serve her community inspiring others to engage and contribute, as well. She has been recognized as a trailblazer in the B.C. Justice system and received the B.C. Interior, North and Yukon Woman of Distinction Award for her work in public education. Most recently, she 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, thats the greatest legacy I could hope for.
Throughout her years of service, family has always remained Bonds first priority.
I will always be grateful to my late husband Billy, my adult children and my two amazing grandsons Caleb and Cooper for their endless support.
Bond will be awarded the honorary degree during the afternoon ceremony celebrating the Class of 2025 at Convocation at 蹤獲扞⑹s Prince George campus on May 30.