I have been living in Prince George for 25 years. During that time I have witnessed good Queen Elizabeth II open our little shining light on the hill... our little university, UNBC.
I too have witnessed, in MacLean's, it's ranking since the dubious survey began. Finally, in 2015, our little university has attained the ranking of number one. How wonderful that of all the universities in Canada of the same class, and same size, UNBC is tops!
Congratulations!
I then processed to read the morning paper of which I have been a subscriber for 25 years. What a beautiful picture - the president, Dr. Daniel Weeks photobombing a picture of bright, smiling, eager, intelligent students with six huge #1 signs in their midst - just beautiful!
Under the picture, in huge bold face type was the caption, #1 and no further discussion.
Under that, in a slightly smaller font was the headline "Crown seeking lengthy jail sentence for women's role in 'savage' attack."
I said to myself, WHAAAAT? The Citizen has done it again!
Under that absolutely gruesome story was one of yet, a slightly smaller font, yet bold face, with the headline, "Four youths sentenced for attack on two teens." Is this a cruel joke? I couldn't believe my eyes. To the right of this column, finishing off the front page, was a headline that read "Ex-firefighter goes free in stolen boat case."
I was slightly taken aback, particularly, when I read the inside of the paper - my goodness, what an opportunity missed.
A Prince George teacher, only one in 20, to be honored with a Government of Canada History Award. "Rain for Halloween" or "Residents excited about proposed park plan" filled the third page.
You would think that The Citizen, with such a questionable reputation for reporting over the last few years, would have done something different.
They could have at least grabbed the story of the history teacher award, or to keep it light for the front page, a Halloween safety warning... but no.
The Citizen did not see fit to properly celebrate a terrific community achievement, which saw national recognition at the university and that of locally dedicated high school teacher.
Wayne Randell
Prince George
