December 17, 2003 For Immediate Release

Canfor Chairman Peter J. G. Bentley will be the University of Northern British Columbia’s third Chancellor. Mr Bentley has been elected Chancellor by members of the University’s Convocation following a nomination period this fall.

Mr Bentley became Executive Vice-President of Canfor in 1970, President in 1975, and Chairman and CEO in 1985, a position he held until 1995. He is a past Chairman of the BC Business Council. He has been an active volunteer, serving with the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Canadian Professional Golf Association. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and is a member of the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Mr Bentley is married to Sheila and has five children and 15 grandchildren.

As Chancellor, he follows George Pedersen and Founding Chancellor Iona Campagnolo, who each served for six years in the position.

“The job UNBC is doing far exceeds anyone’s expectations when the university was launched.  It possesses a magnificent and growing campus, it has great leadership, and it has a first-class faculty and an eager and enthusiastic student body.  Its presence is impacting all of northern BC in a very tangible way,” says Mr Bentley. “It is an honour to have been asked to serve as Chancellor of the University.  I know that following on the heels of Her Honour, Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo, and current Chancellor George Pedersen, will be an exceedingly difficult act to follow.  I realize it will be a challenge, but I promise that I will do my utmost to justify the trust that has been placed in me.”

Mr Bentley will be officially installed as Chancellor at the May convocation ceremony.

“A university Chancellor distinguishes the University by his or her reputation as an outstanding leader in British Columbia and in Canada, and Mr Bentley fits this description perfectly,” says UNBC President Charles Jago. “He is a true statesman who is well-regarded right across Canada. Of course, my thanks also go to Iona Campagnolo, and retiring Chancellor George Pedersen, whose 50+ years of experience in education were of invaluable assistance to me and this young university.”

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University, conferring all degrees, acting as a senior representative of the University, and serving as a member of both the Board of Governors and Senate.