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 these programs are made possible through the generous support of the Government House Foundation.
Honorary Patronage
The Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia grants patronage to support and encourage worthy endeavours. The Lieutenant Governor is patron of many community, military and cultural associations, as well as public service organizations, lending them vital support and recognition for their outstanding contributions to society.
Learn more about Honorary Patronage.
LG Youth Advisory Council
A guiding body of young people who advised the Lieutenant Governor on relevant issues and ways to engage the next generation of British Columbians.
Conversations on Democracy
Conversations on Democracy was an initiative of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue that encouraged discussions from the kitchen table to the boardroom about ways to strengthen our democracy.
Conversations on Democracy aimed to inspire a greater sense of belonging and connection within the communities of BC and cultivate a sense of commitment to defend and strengthen our democratic values and institutions. It encouraged a diverse array of ideas and points of view, between individuals who may not necessarily agree but seek to achieve common ground, and, aimed to create a network of ambassadors with a cross section of diverse representation and opinions.
Commemorate 50
In 2019, Canada recognized the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality, a crucial milestone in the history of equal rights for LGBTQ2S+ Canadians. With funding from Heritage Canada, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor launched Commemorate 50 (C50), a year-long series of events and initiatives celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of the LGBTQ2S+ community, and championing their tireless work done to advance equality, past and present.
Learn more about Commemorate 50.
Different Together
In the wake of increased incidents of race-based violence and discrimination at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Honourable Janet Austin asked British Columbians, alongside leaders in government, business and social services, to pledge to uphold the Canadian values of diversity and inclusion and to oppose racism and hate in all its forms.
Learn more about the Different Together Pledge.
Stewards of the Future
Stewards of the Future supported and encouraged emerging leaders to connect with their environments and explore their own communities to discover and document unique attributes, identify and research key issues of concern, and investigate stewardship initiatives. Funding was available for youth to go on field trips, visit local sites of interest and engage in stewardship projects in their communities.
Stewards of the Future was initiated by the Honourable Judith Guichon, 29th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and stemmed from Her Honour’s long-standing connection to the land and the importance of biodiversity.
Write to Read
Write to Read is a partnership-based program, initiated by the Honourable Steven Point, 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, working with Indigenous communities to provide access to literacy materials and resources in areas without a designated nearby learning centre or library.