The BC Reconciliation Award
Programs
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. This award is presented in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation,...
Phyllis Webstad
Programs
Phyllis Webstad The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts....
Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services
Programs
Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others...
Qwelmínte Secwépemc
Programs
Qwelmínte Secwépemc The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts....
Gloria Morgan
Programs
Gloria Morgan The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts....
Corporal (Retired) Chris Gosselin
Programs
Corporal (Retired) Chris Gosselin The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue...
Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell
Programs
Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue...
King Charles III Coronation Medal
Programs
The Coronation Medal, a Canadian honour created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, was launched by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to Canada...
Human Trafficking Prevention Network
Programs
If you or someone you know is a victim/survivor of human trafficking, or you think someone might be, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. On February 22, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin and Shell Canada President and Country...
Richard Chappell
Programs
Richard Chappell The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime...
Alec Dick
Programs
Alec Dick The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime...
Dr./Captain Michael L. Hadley
Programs
Dr./Captain Michael L. Hadley The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications...
Robert Lawson
Programs
Robert Lawson The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime...
Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe
Programs
Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of...
Abernethy and Gaudin Boatbuilders
Programs
Abernethy and Gaudin Boatbuilders The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications...
The Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Maritime Achievement
Programs
Recognizing individuals and organizations along BC’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests
Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn
Programs
Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation...
Klith-waa-taa, Dr. Barney Williams
Programs
Klith-waa-taa, Dr. Barney Williams The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation...
The Exploration Place & Lheidli T’enneh First Nation
Programs
The Exploration Place & Lheidli T’enneh First Nation The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or...
Chief Willie Sellars
Programs
Chief Willie Sellars The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation...
Last Post Fund – BC Branch
Programs
Last Post Fund – BC Branch The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others...
Dr. Danièle Behn Smith
Programs
Dr. Danièle Behn Smith The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue...
Legacy & Partner Programs
Lieutenant Governor
Each Lieutenant Governor has the opportunity to develop unique programs and initiatives that highlight their interests and background. While some programs are retired at the end of a Lieutenant Governor's mandate, others continue through external funding and partnerships. Many of...
Community and Compassion Research
Programs
Government House, in partnership with the Angus Reid Institute and the Vancouver Foundation, has supported the creation of two reports examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian society, and how we connect in the wake of pandemic-related challenges....
Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement
Programs
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills,...
Women Leading Change
Programs
Women Leading Change is an ongoing series of events aimed at helping to raise awareness around gender inequality and support positive action through dialogue and engagement. Women have made great strides in the labour force, but there is still much...
Platinum Jubilee Fest
Blog
Join Government House in celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee with music, refreshments and festivity!
Previous Recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award
Programs
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. Featured artwork: "2021 Reconciliation Paddle" by Cole Speck Recipients of the...
T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer
Programs
T̓łaḵwagila - Chief Bill Cranmer T̓łaḵwagila - Chief Bill Cranmer has been a strong and vital voice for the sustainment of the ‘Namgis First Nation language and culture. He led the repatriation of cultural objects including masks, bentwood boxes, and...
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops
Programs
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or...
Kwuntiltunaat, Kim Baird
Programs
Kwuntiltunaat, Kim Baird The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation...
DIVERSEcity – Surrey Local Immigration Partnership
Programs
DIVERSEcity - Surrey Local Immigration Partnership The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others...
Brendan Eshom
Programs
Brendan Eshom The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts....
Atomic Cartoons
Programs
Atomic Cartoons (in partnership with GBH) The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others...
The Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards
Programs
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 awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards. The Awards These one-time awards recognize individuals, groups,...
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
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...
The Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowship
Programs
In the spirit of supporting a healthy democracy with a thriving journalistic community, the Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowship encourages the development and support of local journalists in British Columbia. The Fellowship was launched in 2022 as part of celebrations...
Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast
Programs
Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or...
Many Ways of Doing the Same Thing research team
Programs
xaȼqanaǂ ʔitkiniǂ (Many Ways of Doing the Same Thing) Research Team The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of...
Carrier Sekani Family Services
Programs
Carrier Sekani Family Services The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue...
Corporal Christopher Voller
Programs
Corporal Christopher Voller The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation...
Dr. David Suzuki
Programs
Dr. David Suzuki The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation...
Dawn Drummond
Programs
Dawn Drummond The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. Learn...
Corey Payette
Programs
Corey Payette The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. Learn...
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
Programs
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue...
Xele’milh-Doris Paul
Programs
Xele’milh-Doris Paul The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts....
The BC Reconciliation Award
Programs
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. This award is presented in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation,...
Programs
Programs
Each Lieutenant Governor has the opportunity to develop unique programs and initiatives that highlight their interests and background. The programs are often provincial in scope and bring awareness to issues affecting British Columbians. The Lieutenant Governor’s programs are administered and...
Democracy & Me
Programs
The Democracy & Me art contest encourages K-12 students to think about the importance of community, civic engagement and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and democracy. In drawing and designing students reflect on how art offers a unique medium...
LG Youth Advisory Council
Programs
The LG Youth Advisory Council supports the work of the Lieutenant Governor through the perspective of engaged young British Columbians. This guiding body advises Her Honour on relevant issues impacting young people and identifies ways to engage the next generation....
Conversations on Democracy
Programs
Conversations on Democracy is an initiative of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue that encourages discussions from the kitchen table to the boardroom about ways to strengthen our democracy. The...
Commemorate 50
Programs
Commemorate 50 (C50) is an initiative highlighting the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada. With funding from Heritage Canada, C50 aims to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the LGBTQ2S+ community and to champion the tireless work...
Awards and Honours
Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor recognizes excellence and inspiration in British Columbia through the presentation or support of honours and awards. Many of these programs are made possible through the generous support of the Government House Foundation, and other partnerships as noted....
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
One of British Columbia’s greatest strengths is the diversity of its people. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a society that celebrates our differences, while also recognizing the commonalities that bond us together. Over the past few decades, our...
Democracy and Civic Engagement
Democracy and Civic Engagement
One of British Columbia’s greatest challenges is the fragility of democracy in the 21st century. Across the globe, politics have become increasingly polarized in recent years, while the tone of rhetoric from political leaders has become more combative and divisive....
Reconciliation
Reconciliation
One of British Columbia’s greatest opportunities is reconciliation with Indigenous communities. As His Majesty’s direct representative in British Columbia, the Honourable Janet Austin is deeply committed to strengthening the ever-evolving relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. This includes honouring...
Areas of Focus
Areas of Focus
There is a longstanding tradition in British Columbia that when a new Lieutenant Governor is appointed to office, they outline several key themes for their term. These themes are reflective of the personal priorities of the Lieutenant Governor. Often, they...
His Honour Ashley Chester
Her Honour
His Honour Ashley Chester is retired after having spent most of his professional life in the development of social, cooperative and affordable housing in the Toronto market and, later in Vancouver, as manager of project development with BC Housing. His...
Vice-Regal Canine Consort
Her Honour
Vice-Regal Canine Consort MacDuff Austin-Chester- a charming and self-confident West Highland White Terrier- was born in Summerland, BC, on May 24, 2010. He was raised in Vancouver by the Lieutenant Governor and the Vice Regal Consort, both of whom he...
The Crown and Indigenous Peoples
Roles
The Crown and Indigenous Peoples The relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples in British Columbia is ever-evolving and is an important focus of the Lieutenant Governor. The Lieutenant Governor honours Indigenous traditions and heritage, including elements such as ceremonial...
Her Honour
Her Honour
The Honourable Janet Austin, OBCLieutenant Governor of British Columbia The Honourable Janet Austin was sworn in as the province’s 30th Lieutenant Governor in 2018. The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General acting by and with the advice of...
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Former Lieutenant Governors
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Former Lieutenant Governors
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Former Lieutenant Governors
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Programs
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Programs
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Promotional Role
Roles
Promotional Role The Lieutenant Governor profiles excellence and promotes the history, culture and achievements of British Columbians. The Lieutenant Governor instills pride in the geography, natural resources and people of British Columbia by profiling its rich beauty and accomplishments. To promote...
Celebratory Role
Roles
Celebratory Role The Lieutenant Governor celebrates, inspires and connects British Columbians, while promoting the history, culture and achievements of the province. She instills pride in the rich beauty natural resources of B.C., as well as the accomplishments of the people...
Constitutional Role
Roles
Constitutional Role The Lieutenant Governor upholds the constitutional framework in British Columbia. In this role the Lieutenant Governor personifies the Crown, which is both the apex and the unifying link in the constitutional and political structure of the province – executive, legislative,...
Vice-Regal Role
Roles
Vice-Regal Role The Lieutenant Governor represents the Crown in British Columbia. As His Majesty’s direct representative in the province, the Lieutenant Governor is first in the provincial order of precedence and as such: Represents the Crown as Chief Executive Officer...
The Role of Lieutenant Governor
Roles
The Role of Lieutenant Governor The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General acting by and with the advice of the King's Privy Council for Canada. Lieutenant governors are normally appointed for a period of not less than five...