It is always a pleasure to ring in the New Year with my fellow British Columbians and 2024 was no different, as Government House opened its doors for the annual New Year’s Day Levée. With the sounds of bagpipes filling the air, we greeted the new year with great optimism for the days ahead.
The good will with which we started 2024 was reflected in the second BC Reconciliation Awards, honouring the recipients with a unique ceremony blending Indigenous protocol and tradition with that of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It has been heartening to witness this wonderful program grow and evolve, and the recipients, representing public health, education, Indigenous veterans, and incredible community leadership, have been no exception.
February found me sitting fireside with Kim Bolan, the 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellow, for a conversation with Harold Munro, Editor-in-Chief of the Vancouver Sun and the Province newspapers, on how the Fellowship supported Kim’s investigations into the international tentacles of BC-based gangs. The inspiring discussion has me looking forward to 2024 Fellow Michele Brunoro’s upcoming reporting on human trafficking in BC.
It was also a delight to join the Chinese-Canadian community in Vancouver for the annual Chinatown Spring Festival, marking the lunar new year with a lively parade, and to accompany the BC Black History Awareness Societyto a stunning performance of music and spoken word at the Power and Joy of Words and Music, in celebration of Black History Month.
It has been my great pleasure to serve as Honorary Patron of the Canadian Armed Forces Naval Women’s Symposium—after a successful symposium in 2023, I was delighted to participate in the Women’s Day gathering, leaving the event with amplified respect for the bravery, respect and collaboration demonstrated by all involved.
As the representative of His Majesty The King in British Columbia, I was honoured to announce the launch of Coronation Medals, in honour of His Majesty King Charles III, and to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Government House. The Princess Royal is well known as a tireless worker, managing a hectic schedule of appearances and events alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Their visit this spring was no exception as they undertook a multitude of events, including a reception at Government House and a tour of the Government House grounds, accompanied by representatives from The Friends of Government House Gardens Society.
Summer offered the chance to travel the province and to meet with friends near and far. I was delighted to present Coronation Medals to exceptional British Columbians who have served our province in diverse ways, at ceremonies held at Government House and at the HMCS Discovery Naval Reserve in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.
Other summer activities included the Victoria Pride parade alongside the UVic Chair in Transgender Studies, and the Music on the Lawn series at the Government House Bandshell, which attracted large crowds of all ages. The ArtisTree Festival brought thousands of art lovers to the grounds to view and purchase works from local artists and makers, and nearly a thousand Indigenous students came to Government House for the Back to School Picnic, an annual event co-hosted with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and Surrounded by Cedar Child & Family Services.
The fall brought the expected increase in activities. I was delighted to oversee the investiture of twelve new members to the Order of BC, whose contributions include sustainable farming, healthcare innovation, Indigenous rights, philanthropy, and musical composition and performance.
I was pleased to open the annual Union of BC Municipalities convention, and to host a session for elected officials on mental health and wellness, and I joined the journalism community at the 2024 Webster Awards to honour the best of BC journalism. As always, the Government House team hosted more than two thousand public service employees for the annual Long Service Awards, an opportunity to acknowledge their dedication to the public service.
A November trip to Prince George included a visit to Carrier Sekani Family Services, 2023 recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award; a tour of New Caledonia College to learn about programs in the trades; and meetings with local elected officials, as well as community and business leaders.
November also brought the presentation of the first poppy by the Royal Canadian Legion – BC/Yukon Command, followed by the November 11th Remembrance Day ceremony in Vancouver, and the 111th CFL Grey Cup at BC Place Stadium brought energy and dynamism to Vancouver, with the opportunity to engage in some friendly competition with leaders from across the country. I was also honoured to swear in British Columbia’s new Executive Council on November 18, following the October Provincial General Election.
Other highlights included: the Government House Foundation Annual Gala, which raised funds to support the Lieutenant Governors Journalism Fellowship, the BC Reconciliation Awards, the upkeep of the Government House grounds, and more; the installation of the 2024 BC Reconciliation Award paddle, designed by Tsm’syen/Nisga’a artist Shawna Kiesman; and the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement; and, throughout the year, I also supported the work of numerous arts, social service, environmental, health, and business organizations that have contributed to the well-being of British Columbians in diverse ways.
I am so very grateful to all who sustain the work of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and who provide me with their personal support and encouragement: my Honorary Aides-de-Camp, all the volunteers with The Friends of Government House Gardens Society, the Government House Foundation and, of course, my wonderful colleagues here at Government House.
Please accept my heartfelt best wishes for a peaceful and joyous holiday season and for every possible happiness in the coming year.
With gratitude,
The Honourable Janet Austin
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia