Much joy was felt in British Columbian in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is, however, with great sorrow that this monumental year also marks the passing of The Queen on September 8, 2022, at 96 years old.
On February 6, 2022, the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession day, an unprecedented anniversary will be recognized: Her Majesty will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, making 70 years on the throne, in service to the people of Canada and the Commonwealth.
The Queen has travelled to Canada on more occasions than any other country in the world, reflecting a long-standing relationship with Canadians. The Queen came to British Columbia seven times – six as Canada’s sovereign and once as Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh. She’s visited Canada 22 times since her coronation.
The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, as the representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the province, will mark the Platinum Jubilee with a variety of events, initiatives, and awards, and visits to communities throughout the province.
Public Events
A variety of public celebrations will be held at Government House during the Jubilee, bringing together the community in celebration of this monumental occasion.
Platinum Jubilee Music on the Lawn
Free concerts held outdoors at the Government House bandshell over three nights on July 7, July 14, and July 21. Learn more about the line up and details here.
Signature Platinum Jubilee Programmes
Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowship
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, with support from the Government House Foundation, has launched the Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowship. Administration of the fellowship, including judging of entries, will be done in partnership with the Jack Webster Foundation, an organization that fosters and celebrates excellence in journalism to protect the public interest for British Columbians.
In the spirit of supporting a healthy democracy with a thriving journalistic community, the Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowship will help fund local journalists to produce in-depth coverage of a complex topic to better inform British Columbians.
Learn more about the Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowship.
Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards
The Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards recognizes individuals, groups and organizations throughout BC who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, community engagement, passion, and commitment through fostering and mentoring others in the fields of Visual Arts, Music or Performance.
Learn more about the Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards.
Community Tours
The Honourable Janet Austin will visit communities in British Columbia throughout the year. Tours center around Her Honour’s key themes of Reconciliation, Diversity and Inclusion, and the promotion of Democracy, in addition to the theme of the Jubilee year. Her Honour will meet local dignitaries and Indigenous representatives, visit organizations providing community support, and take part in arts and culture-related events.