Friday, April 5, 2024

British Columbians mourn passing of former Prince Rupert icon and resident Iona Campagnolo


Word today that a much respected and loved daughter of Prince Rupert has passed away, with the Province making note today of the passing of Iona Campagnolo at age 91.

The long time former resident of the city served this community as a trail blazer for many years, in many areas of public and civic life. 

Much of her life has been chronicled in a number of past writings from local authors, noting of her rise in the community from her early roots at North Pacific Cannery.

From a resident of Cannery Row in Port Edward to her time in local media with CHTK, to both School District and civic politics and on to the federal scene, she had a long lasting impact on the fabric of Prince Rupert through her years of public service.

She was also highly acclaimed for her time as Chancellor of UNBC and then as Lieutenant Governor, Mrs. Campagnolo was a woman who claimed many firsts both in BC and Canada. 

Among the official notices of her passing was one that comes from the current Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Janet Austin.


In memory of Mrs. Campagnolo the province has lowered flags at many buildings including the Legislature and the residence of the Lieutenant Governor in Victoria.


Funeral arrangements are currently being addressed though no formal outline of how the province will recognize her passing has been released as of yet.

The University of Northern BC Archives and Special Collections has an extensive library of material on the life and times of Mrs. Campagnolo which you can review here.

As the news of her passing is still fresh, the City of Prince Rupert has yet to provide for a note on her passing or to review some of the key moments from her time in the community.

As word begins to be shared of Mrs. Campagnolo's passing we will   provide updates on statements and other items of respect below: 


Statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 

Statement from Governor General Mary Simon

Comments from Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach 

Skeena-Bulkley Valley Conservative Association

City of Prince Rupert Statement 

Comments from BC United MLA Shirley Bond

Comments from David Eby

As news services received word of today's announcement they have begun to assemble some retrospective items and other notes of Mrs. Campagnolo's passing.

You can can access those as they are posted through our Political Blog D'Arcy McGee


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