By Andrew Koole (Contributor) – Email
Date Posted: September 21, 2011
Print Edition: September 14, 2011
September began amidst controversy in British Columbia as The Order of B.C. announced they were awarding former Premier Gordon Campbell the province’s highest honour.
Campbell – along with 13 other Canadians – will become a member of the Order of B.C. on October 4, according to the award’s website. He is to join nearly 300 previous nominees, including musician Bryan Adams, painter Robert Bateman and hockey player Trevor Linden. The website also reported that recipients are to attend a ceremony in Victoria’s Government House, where they will be presented with medals and certificates by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; after receiving the award, members will be permitted to add the title “O.B.C” to their names.
The announcement attracted much critique from citizens, who took to social media to voice their distaste. A petition was written questioning the legitimacy of Campbell’s nomination, stating that he still held a seat in parliament when nominations closed.
UFV students met gave mixed responses to news of the Premier’s appointment. Dana wasn’t sure the Premier deserved the award, saying that nothing stood out that he should be awarded for. He mentioned the Premier’s arrest after being caught driving drunk in Hawaii in 2003. “Should you be able to get away with things just because you’re a politician?” he asked.
Jason took different point of view. “I’m disgruntled with the opinion that we should vote [on the award],” he said. “That opens the door to dispute everyone who has won it.”
Despite the controversy, The Order of B.C. is holding to its decision. According to CBC, B.C. Chief Justice Lance Finch has closed the argument that Campbell is not eligible, noting that the law forbids elected officials to be appointed into the Order, but says nothing about them being nominated.
However, some – including NDP leader Adrian Dix – are still voicing their concerns about Campbell’s appointment coming so soon after he has stepped down as Premier with a 9% approval rating, and following his involvement in the ongoing issues surrounding the HST.
