THORNHILL, B.C. – Bruce Bidgood’s decades of commitment to public service and community development were formally recognized on August 15 when he was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal at a Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) board meeting.
The prestigious medal was presented by Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Ellis Ross, who honored Bidgood for his lifelong contributions to education, social justice, and local government. The citation for the award highlighted Bidgood’s significant role in helping to secure more than $1 billion in health and social capital projects for the region. It also credited him as a key architect of the Northwest Resource Benefits Alliance, which played a foundational role in securing a $250-million, five-year revenue-sharing agreement with the Province in 2024.
“On behalf of Canada, congratulations,” Ross told Bidgood. “It’s an honour to present this medal to recognize the decades of work you’ve done for communities in the northwest.”
Bidgood currently serves as the director for Electoral Area C on the RDKS board. He is also an associate professor at the University of Northern British Columbia’s School of Social Work and has had a global academic teaching career.
Ted Ramsey, the RDKS director for Thornhill, spoke on behalf of his colleagues, thanking Bidgood for his dedication. “He worked pretty hard on some contentious local issues,” Ramsey said. “He has certainly put his time in.”
Reflecting on his years of service, Bidgood acknowledged the support of his community. “You know it, it passes in a blink of an eye, doesn’t it?” he asked. “To all those people who helped make all this possible, thank you very much.”
