UBC president ‘deeply regrets’ cancellation of John Furlong speech
VANCOUVER — University of British Columbia president Santa Ono has issued an apology for the school’s decision to cancel a planned speech by former Vancouver Olympic CEO John Furlong.
Ono said in a statement Tuesday he “deeply regrets” the university’s choice, which was made without his knowledge or the knowledge of its board of governors. UBC’s decision-making “did not meet the standard he is eager to instill,” he said.
“While some take issue with Mr. Furlong, he also has a great number of supporters in the community, and there can be no question over his record of public service and his extraordinary contributions to amateur sport, to B.C. and to Canada,” Ono said.
“There is also no question that he deserved better in UBC’s handling of this matter.”