As Lieutenant Governor, I feel I have an important role to play in promoting participation in our democracy. I want to encourage conversations and events that help us exchange ideas, and listen and learn from our friends, neighbours and people from all walks of life. In particular, I want to engage the next generations of leaders— the students and youth who will one day inherit our democracy.

I’m pleased to share the launch of Democracy & Me, a contest for students in British Columbia to inspire young people to get thinking about the importance of community and democracy through a creative lens.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor is partnering with the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia to encourage students from kindergarten to grade 12 to use art to express one’s identity, culture and connection to community. There are three categories, each with a unique contest question to get ideas flowing.

I’m very excited that I’ll have the opportunity to meet the three winners from each category! Not only will winners receive a trip to Victoria for an unveiling of their work at the Parliament Buildings, they’ll also have lunch with me at Government House, the ceremonial home of all British Columbians.

Visit the Democracy & Me website for contest questions, teacher resources and details on how to submit an entry. The contest is open for entries from September 16, 2019-January 31, 2020.