One of the country’s most well-known and respected lawyers and advocates for justice will become the next Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C.

Wally Oppal, QC has dedicated his entire working life to improving social justice and community safety. He was Crown Counsel and Defense Counsel on numerous high-profile criminal cases and is currently Commissioner of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.

“Wally Oppal is a well respected British Columbian, I know his commitment to justice and to our province will inspire a whole new generation as they build their futures at TRU,” said Karl deBruijn, Board of Governors Chair, TRU. “He is a great role model for achievement, setting a positive example for students who are working hard on their educational goals.”

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of a Board committee, which included student, alumni, faculty and community representation, made the selection of Mr. Oppal. He will be formally installed as Chancellor on June 8 as part of the ceremonies that will precede four Convocations held on June 9 and 10 at Thompson Rivers University.

“His commitment to justice and to our province will inspire a whole new generation as they build their futures at TRU” – Karl deBruijn, Board of Governors Chair

“I am deeply honoured to have been selected Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University,” said Wally Oppal to the Board of Governors. “I know of no other post-secondary institution in BC that is more innovative and creative in meeting the diverse needs of our province in the 21st Century. I am very excited and look forward to working with President Alan Shaver, the Senate and the university’s Board of Governors.”

“Wally Oppal’s reputation as an advocate of justice and his dedication to serving the people of British Columbia is an inspiration to us all,” said Alan Shaver, President and Vice-Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University. “He is an excellent choice to help guide Thompson Rivers University as it launches the country’s first new law school in over 30 years.”

He was born in the Vancouver-Fraserview neighbourhood and grew up on Vancouver Island. Wally Oppal attended law school at UBC, and then practiced law for 14 years. His passion for the Canadian legal system is exemplified by the various positions he has held throughout the years, which includes appointments to the County Court of British Columbia in 1981 and to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 1985. In 2003, he was appointed to the British Columbia Court of Appeal; he served as Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism from 2005 to 2009.

Nancy Greene Raine was named as TRU’s first Chancellor in 2004 and served two three-year terms. The honorary head of the university, the Chancellor represents and bestows prestige on the institution and is a member of the Board of Governors and the University Senate.