"When I became Justice Minister I described myself as a feminist and there was an audible intake of breath across the country, but you know, they got over it. I didn’t know how else to describe someone who was an advocate for equality of women..."
The Right Honourable Kim Campbell holds a BA and an LLB from UBC, pursued doctoral studies in Soviet government at the London School of Economics, and has numerous honourary doctorates. In addition to being the nineteenth and first female Prime Minister of Canada (1993), Ms. Campbell was the first Prime Minister born and raised in British Columbia, and the first to have held elected office at all three levels of government. Ms. Campbell worked as the Minister of State for Indian Affairs, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and the Minister of National Defence and Veterans’ Affairs. Through positions such as President of the International Women’s Forum and Council Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders, Ms. Campbell has demonstrated her dedication to feminist causes and made strides towards equality for women. Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Campbell has also been involved with various educational institutions. Following her time as Prime Minister, Ms. Campbell taught at the Harvard Kennedy School and in April 2014, she became the Founding Principal of the Peter Lougheed Leadership College at the University of Alberta. In 2016, Ms. Campbell was appointed the role of Chairperson for the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments.
Ms. Campbell's claim to fame in law school was writing and directing three editions of the UBC Law Revue. She recalls being taught by Beverley McLachlin and George Curtis, the latter of whom had also taught her father three decades before.
Ms. Campbell was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Allard Law Alumni Association in May 2018. This award recognizes an extraordinary individual who has set a high standard for volunteerism, philanthropy, and professional accomplishment, and has been an example for all who follow. When asked to reflect on her career, Ms. Campbell stated that the "advancement of women" and "democracy" were two important themes of her life. She found that "studying law was a very interesting piece of that puzzle." Furthermore, she indicated the motto that has guided her work: "seek wisdom, conquer fear, do justice."
Ms. Campbell participated in the Allard Law Oral History Project in January of 2014. She spoke about her roots in British Columbia, her memories of law school and her experiences in public life.
Watch Ms. Campbell's Lifetime Achievement Award video to learn more.