June 8, 2010
Media contact: Patty Wellborn
Office: 604-795-2819
patty.wellborn@ufv.ca
Wally Oppal receives honorary degree from UFV
Wally Oppal has a passion for the law. The interpretation of the laws that govern our society is subjective — and the measure of what is morally right or wrong is open to discussion and debate. That’s what makes something that seems so straightforward, so very fascinating, and absorbing. And why Oppal continues to be immersed in a career that upholds our rights.
Oppal, British Columbia’s former Attorney General and Minister of Multiculturalism, is being awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of the Fraser Valley this June. For someone who has had a rich, and highly publicized career, this honorary degree is a feather in his cap — and an award he is humbled and honoured to accept.
“I am truly overwhelmed by this honour and I cannot say enough about the importance of higher education,” he says. “The pursuit of higher education is something we must continue to promote and encourage.”
Born in Vancouver and raised on Vancouver Island, Oppal attended UBC to earn his law degree and operated his own private law practice in Vancouver before he was appointed to the County Court of Vancouver in 1981. Four years later he was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. In 1992, he wrote the report for the Independent Commission of Inquiry into Policing in British Columbia, and while in court, was a specialist in several high-profile cases.
In 2003, he was appointed to the British Columbia Court of Appeal where he served until 2005 when he resigned to sit in the provincial legislature and be appointed Attorney General. That May, he was elected MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview and began what he now refers to as his ‘political adventure.’
“I was a judge in the court of appeal when Gordon Campbell called me up and asked if I would be interested in running for election,” he says. “Of course I was interested, because there is so much you can do when you are part of the active government.”
Oppal served as the province’s Minister of Multiculturalism and Attorney General and is proud of what he accomplished while in office. He cites introduction of the B.C.’s chronic offender program, strategies to prevent violence against women, the abolishment of mandatory retirement, and the start of lengthy legal proceedings against the Bountiful polygamous commune.
In the 2009 provincial election, Oppal switched the Delta South riding and, after several recounts, lost his seat by a mere 32 votes.
“It was a fully rewarding time in my life. I was honoured to have the opportunity to service the public.”
One of his proudest accomplishments from his political era is the literacy initiative established when he was in government.
“Education is important in our civil society in so many ways,” he says. “And there is a direct correlation between literacy education and the crime rate. Statistics have shown that very few, highly educated people commit crime. It’s been proven generally that educated people do a better job of taking care of themselves, their general health, and their society.”
Kelly Chahal, Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association president, is one of several people who nominated Oppal for the honorary degree. Chahal says Oppal has dedicated his life to public service, from coaching kids in the Steve Nash basketball league, to chairing forums on spousal violence, speaking to youth at risk, and delivering legal education workshops.
“Although Wally is a prominent figure in Canadian society, he is friends with everyone,” says Chahal. “You cannot walk down the street without street workers, coffee baristas, and regular folk seeing him and shouting out his name to stop and visit. He is known as one of the most accessible judges, and is available for a chat or a cup of coffee with anyone.”
Chahal says throughout his career Oppal always been an advocate for the Fraser Valley and a friend to its residents. He is no stranger to the issues of this region.
“When I was working with Abbotsford Community Services 20 years ago, I remember Wally attending workshops and supporting initiatives around violence against women,” she says. “He continues to attend diversity events and contributes to issues on youth violence. This type of openness and acceptance shortens the boundaries between high-profile individuals and the public.”
The importance of education, especially post-secondary education, has always been something Oppal has defended and vigorously promoted. That’s one of the reasons why his so pleased to receive the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UFV. Oppal believes that one of his greatest contributions as a judge has been public legal education and working with the Justice Education Society, where he served as director and president.
These days, Oppal is involved with a project that monitors spending with the federal treasury board, and has plenty of public speaking, and media interview requests. His true passion, however, remains with education and the law, and he is thrilled now to have this honorary law degree from UFV.
“I love this university,” he says. “I am very honoured to be given this award, especially from the University of the Fraser Valley. It has done so much — not only for the Fraser Valley — but also for the entire province. It is such a forward-thinking institution.”
Oppal receives his honorary degree during the afternoon UFV Convocation ceremonies on Thursday, June 10.
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