Prince George, BC – The Honourable James Moore, who served in Canada’s House of Commons for 15 years, including in a number of senior cabinet roles, and who graduated from UNBC in 2001, has been named UNBC’s sixth Chancellor. He will be sworn in at the convocation ceremony in Prince George on May 27, 2016.

“I am humbled and honoured to be UNBC’s next Chancellor,” said Moore. “UNBC is a great institution with a proud history and a sterling reputation today. With the recent number-one ranking in Maclean’s magazine, and a bright future on the horizon, I am looking forward to playing my part in the future successes to this fine institution.”

Moore earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UNBC in 2001, followed by an MA (political studies) from the University of Saskatchewan, and studied Business Administration at Douglas College. He was first elected in 2000 to represent the B.C. riding of Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam (then Port Moody-Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam) at the age of 24, the youngest Member of Parliament in British Columbia’s history.

Moore served in a number of cabinet roles, including Minister of Industry (2013 – 2015), Regional Minister for British Columbia (2011 - 2015), Minister of Canadian Heritage & Official Languages (2008 - 2013), and Secretary of State - 2010 Olympics, Official Languages & the Asia Pacific Gateway (2008). Since leaving politics earlier this year, Moore is now a Senior Business Advisor at the international law firm Dentons, working out of its Vancouver office.

“The Board gave strong consideration to all our constituent groups in making this announcement. It’s an honour to call upon a distinguished alumni member and a leader who brings a unique perspective of global politics, a perspective that has also been shaped by a distinct Northern BC experience,” said UNBC Board of Governors Chair, Ryan Matheson. “This appointment will help advance UNBC as we embark on our next quarter century of excellence in post-secondary education and research.”

UNBC’s Chancellor is selected through a process that includes a call for nominations issued by the Alumni Association of UNBC, consultation with the Senate, and appointment by the Board of Governors. The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University; one of the primary duties includes granting degrees at annual Convocation ceremonies.

Moore follows previous Chancellors Iona V. Campagnolo, K. George Pedersen, Peter J.G. Bentley, Alex C. Michalos, and John MacDonald.

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