Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Of the celebrate International Women’s Day, one hundred members from the Canadian Armed Forces gathered together in March at the second annual Women in Uniform Symposium. The symposium was hosted by the Rear Admiral Christopher Robinson and Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia acted as Honorary Patron.

Marking the end of a joyful celebration of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Genesa Greening is advocating for women’s equitable access to quality healthcare, while Deb Bryant is supporting the province’s most vulnerable. Meet today’s Champions for Equality.

Denise Williams is bringing Indigenous innovation to the forefront of technology, while Tracy Porteous is building support and awareness for survivors of gender-based violence. Meet today’s Champions for Equality…

Tamara Pongracz is opening doors to new types of careers for women, while Tina Strehlke is empowering female leadership. Meet today’s Champions for Equality…

Kasari Govender is fighting for human rights, and Zoe Craig-Sparrow is championing education and the resiliancy of women and girls. Meet today’s Champions for Equality…

Cybele Negris heads a successful tech company and Savanah Norman is working to protect and support vulnerable women and girls. Meet today’s Champions for Equality…

Angela Sterritt is breaking ground as an Indigenous reporter with CBC, and Jill Tipping is developing technology for the benefit of British Columbians. Meet today’s Champions for Equality…

I’m excited to announce the launch of Champions for Equality, in partnership with Parliamentary Secretary Mitzi Dean and the BC Gender Equity Office. We’ll share profiles over the coming weeks of women in British Columbia whose work actively combats biases, broadens perceptions, and celebrates women’s achievements…

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the launch of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Learn more about education resources and ways to support women and individuals affected by gender-based violence.

Reflections on Commemorate 50 so far, including a vast history still to be learned, the power of conversation and a special thanks to the panelists of “Is it Time to Wave the Flag”, the Office of the LG’s collaboration with UBC

In support of Commemorate 50, check out a selection of moving documentaries about the histories of the LGBTQ2S+ communities in Canada

We’re excited to be working with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to create a visual timeline focused on significant dates, events and figures of the past 50 years as part of our Commemorate 50 project

I’m pleased to announce the Celebrating 50 project, an initiative highlighting the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada, a historic milestone in the journey to equal rights for 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians

Every Lieutenant Governor outlines themes to guide their term in office. Learn more about the Honourable Janet Austin’s three key themes