Former B.C. Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo has died. She was 91.
Government House was notified of her death on Friday morning and has lowered its flag to half-mast.
The house, which is the official residence of the lieutenant-governor of British Columbia, said funeral arrangements are underway.
“Radiant and tireless … she spent years advocating for British Columbians even before her appointment as Lieutenant Governor,” Janet Austin said, the current Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
“During her time as Lieutenant Governor, she committed whole-heartedly to celebrating the accomplishments of British Columbians.”
Campagnolo was born on Galiano Island on Oct. 18, 1932. She was a well-known broadcaster and won a B.C. Broadcaster of the Year award, according to the Northern BC Archives.
On September 21, 2001, Campagnolo was appointed by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, on the advice of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, as B.C.’s first female lieutenant-governor.
She held that position until September 30, 2007.
Since 2007, Campagnolo remained active and involved with two key B.C. issues — reconciling Indigenous rights and title with crown title, and salmon sustainability, according to archives.
Being the first woman Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia was merely one of Iona Campagnolo’s many “firsts.” She was also the first woman president of the Liberal Party of Canada and the first chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia,” Austin said.
“I extend my sincerest condolences to Iona Campagnolo’s family and loved ones. Let us remember Iona Campagnolo’s great contributions to British Columbia, to Canada, and may we continue to build on her legacy.”
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