Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

British Columbia is rich with people of legendary status, people who looked the hardships of life in the eye and stared them down. Along the way the tales of their seemingly impossible feats became folklore. In other words they are larger than life.

On May 6, 2023, the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla will take place. This historic event is the first coronation of a Canadian Head of State and Monarch in seven decades!

A tribute to the volunteers who help make a visit to Government House an exceptional one.

Government House is looking for high energy local bands and musicians interested in playing the 2023 season of Music on the Lawn.

The first Lieutenant Governor’s Journalism Fellow is Francesca Fionda, who has created a multi-part series, published in The Tyee, on climate disaster refugees in British Columbia.

More than one hundred women members from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) came together this month to learn, be inspired, and build connections at a Women in Uniform symposium, co-hosted by the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

British Columbia Golf, in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the Osoyoos Indian Band-owned Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course, announce the launch of the inaugural Indigenous Championship British Columbia.

February marks the beginning of Black History Month, exploring and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Black British Columbians.

A “fireside chat” at Government House brought together members of the Jewish community and First Nations, with open hearted conversation about what it means to heal in the wake of intergenerational trauma.

Nominations are now open for the 2023 British Columbia Reconciliation Award, recognizing individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.

The work of the Government House Foundation supports the beloved open-to-the-public grounds of Government House, as well as the programmes and projects of the Lieutenant Governor.

The Honourable Janet Austin has made her first official visit to Tŝilhqot’in Title Lands.

Nearly 1000 people came to Government House to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

Join Government House in celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee with music, refreshments and festivity!

On July 7, enjoy a treat from the Tea Room and support the Lodge at Broadmead, in honour of Rudi’s birthday

Blueprint is a nonprofit founded at the University of British Columbia for thought leadership on masculinity and men’s impact on societies. Through research and proven programs, they equip men with the tools for reshaping their role for their own well-being and for that of their families and communities.

Music on the Lawn, the outdoor concert series, returns to Government House for three nights in July 2022.

It is my great honour to share the six recipients of the second BC Reconciliation Award, recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to furthering Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in the province of British Columbia. 

Meet the first recipient of the new Lieutenant Governor’s B.C. Journalism Fellowship.

As part of celebrations in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, has launched the Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates an unprecedented 70 years of service to Canadians and the Commonwealth. Learn more about Platinum Jubilee programmes and activities in British Columbia.

The New Years Day Levee for January 1, 2022, has been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

On the first day of 2021, Government House remained closed and quiet, the traditional New Years Day Levee having been cancelled. What followed was a year defined by its challenges, but also the hope it inspired.

Young British Columbians are invited to express themselves through poetry or spoken word on the topic of democracy, with a chance to win a trip to Victoria!

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has extended her support to all British Columbians in light of the recent weather events and flooding in the province.

Nominations are now open for the 2022 BC Reconciliation Award, presented in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation.

Mina Hoorfar is at the forefront of promoting STEM technology in British Columbia. As part of the Women Leading Change in STEM initiative, Mina shares her journey from inspired young girl in Iran to dean of Faculty and Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Victoria.

The Friends of Government House Gardens Society were lucky to have a special guest speaker last month: world renowned gardening expert Brian Minter. In this guest blog, Brian, sharing his thoughts on changes in how we garden and interact with our natural world.

Reflections on Pride, progress and the people and communities we must uplift, love and protect.

Asian Heritage Month closes with a guest blog from Carol Lee, a CEO with strong family ties to Vancouver Chinatown, and a tireless drive to preserve and celebrate Chinese Canadian culture and history in British Columbia.

LG Youth Advisory Council member Jonathan Tang shares his reflections on the meaning of Asian Heritage Month to him and other Canadians of Asian descent.

Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and explore the accomplishments, artistry, traditions and culture of those who helped build the province that would become British Columbia, and all members of Asian-Canadian communities who have called BC home since.

Honouring individuals and organizations have shown extraordinary leadership & meaningful action, while inspiring others to continue Reconciliation efforts.

An Honorary Aide-de-Camp to four Lieutenant Governors and a lifelong volunteer with St John Ambulance, David Valentine is an example to all who choose to give their time.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, two members of the LG Youth Advisory Council share their experiences volunteering, and why everyone should consider donating their time to good causes.

Carolyn Hissen felt the call of volunteering from an early age. This Volunteer Week, meet Government House’s volunteer beekeeper and learn how volunteering makes her life sweeter.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, two members of the LG Youth Advisory Council share their experiences volunteering, and why everyone should consider donating their time to good causes.

A Statement from the Lieutenant Governor on the Passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

An update on refurbishments taking place at Government House.

Government House is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator, a role that will be a pivotal liaison between our volunteers and the Government House Director of Operations.

Government House is committed to fighting food insecurity, giving back through community initiatives and gardening.

Meet Sydney-Anne Porter, Owner and Manager, AG Valley Foods.

Meet Sarah Crowe, a Nurse Practitioner at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Meet Dr. Charuka Maheswaran, General Practitioner and Public Health Physician-in-Training.

Meet Cheri Franklin, a handyDart driver from Kamloops.

Meet Karen Reader, Unit Chief for Station 330 in Princeton, and a Community Paramedicine Mentor.

Meet Angie Maitland, Director of Education for the Haisla Nation Council.

On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, the main gate to Government will be temporarily closed from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Nominations are now open for the Order of British Columbia, the highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its citizens.

Black History Month has come to an end for 2021, and it is with great humility that I reflect on what I’ve learned, and what I can do going forward to share the lives and achievements of Black British Columbians

A notice for visitors to Government House, the Woodlands Trail is closed temporarily due to inclement weather

Welcome to week two of Black History Month, highlighting some of the contemporary organizations doing the work to support Black excellence in British Columbia

February 1st marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to celebrate the history and vibrant communities of Black British Columbians.

We are delighted to share the winner of our New Year’s Day Levée photo contest.

2020 has been an exceptional year in many ways. I reflect on the challenges, accomplishments and small joys of a year like no other.

With the cancellation of the New Years Day Levée, Government House invites all who have attended a Levée to share their favourite photographs and memories.

The grounds of Government House will reopen at dawn on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Thank you to all for your patience and understanding over the course of this closure.

With cases of COVID-19 increasing on Vancouver Island, the grounds of Government House will be closed for at least two weeks.

Today, in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation, we launch the British Columbia Reconciliation Award to recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.

The Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia hereby announces she has invited Premier John Horgan to form a new government.

The members LG Youth Advisory Council are heading to the polls this Saturday to participate in the BC General Election and they want you to join them!

Starting on October 5, 2020, the main gate entrance to the grounds at Government House and connecting driveway will be closed for construction.

Gender Equality Week is an opportunity to share the contributions of women and gender diverse communities, and celebrate their achievements, accomplishments and work in advancing gender equality.

Updates on the status of the Government House grounds, House renovations, and thanks to all patrons for another successful season of Rudi’s Tea Room.

Meet Willow Kaukanon, manager of the Government House Victory Over COVID Garden.

LG Youth Advisory Council members Samer Rihani and Furqana Khan share advice for students on finances, international studies and helpful resources for confusing times.

Nurjehan Mawani, former Chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and Commissioner of the Federal Public Service Commission, shares a guest blog on her experiences as an immigrant to Canada, and what effective action against racism looks like.

Alana Forsyth, LG Youth Advisory Council member, shares how she kept her youth group connected during COVID.

A guest blog written by Nicolas Tellez-Espana, a member of the LG Youth Advisory Council, sharing his perspective on COVID-19 from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

The Champions are the last category of the Commemorate 50 Timeline. They’ve picked up where the Trailblazers left off, carrying the fight for equal rights and representation into the next generation of LGBTQ2S+ people in Canada.

Civil rights are the foundation of our individual freedom. They entitle us to basic rights, safety, dignity and respect, that allow us to participate in society without discrimination or repression. The Civil Rights category of the Commemorate 50 Timeline represents this long journey, that still hasn’t come to an end for many.

The third category of the Commemorate 50 Timeline is devoted to moments in Canada’s history related to gender identity.

The second category of the Commemorate 50 Timeline is devoted to a selection of LGBTQ2S+ pioneers in the arts, who stayed true to their creative selves when it felt impossible for many to do so, along with cultural moments that gave further space for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community to find their voice and place within Canadian society.

The first category of the Commemorate 50 Timeline is devoted to a selection of trailblazers whose work laid the groundwork for equal rights for LGBTQ2S+ people in Canada.

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, recognizing the heritage, culture and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

Introducing the C50 Timeline, recognizing the work, sacrifices and resiliency of both LGBTQ2S+ trailblazers and current advocates.

Updates on refurbishments at Government House, the Music on the Lawn summer concert series and open hours for the grounds.

Rudi’s Tea Room will be CLOSED for one day on Friday, June 19, due to BC Hydro maintenance requirements.

Government House is delighted to take part in Get Growing, Victoria!, a free food seedlings distribution program created by the City of Victoria.

Government House has lost a great friend with the passing of Rudi Hoenson, a lifelong philanthropist and passionate supporter of Government House.

Racism has no place in British Columbia. I ask you to join me, alongside leaders in government, business and social services, in pledging to uphold the Canadian values of diversity and inclusion and to oppose racism and hate in all its forms.

After much deliberation, the winners of the Democracy & Me art contest have been selected.

While British Columbians look forward to a long weekend, and we celebrate the birthday of The Queen,

As of May 20, 2020, Rudi’s Tea Room will be open for business for the summer.

The grounds of Government House will re-open to visitors on May 14, 2020, with new limited hours.

Beautiful orange tulips have bloomed at Government House in special tribute to the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.

With school closures ongoing for students in British Columbia, parents and caregivers are looking for ways to support continued learning at home.

We are in this together: community resources outside of Vancouver and Victoria for those who need help during these challenging time.

Here at Government House, we want to do our part in the fight against COVID-19, and that’s why we’re working with community partners, including the City of Victoria, to create the Victory Over COVID garden (VOC).

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! I’m recognizing the beautiful natural environments of British Columbia, including some found right in our neighbourhoods.

April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, and I’m kicking it off by recognizing the Honorary Aides-de-Camp who support the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

British Columbians are doing the hard work to stay socially and physically distanced, against all odds, we’re becoming closer than ever before. Learn how communities in our province are building connections and how you too can take part.

In light of changes across British Columbia as a result of COVID-19, especially those that affect schools, we have updated guidelines for the Stewards of the Future program.