Remarks by the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
Dinner In Honour Of The Media
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Victoria, British Columbia
Welcome to Government House. We are in into the seventh month of my appointment with four years and five months to go. I will be retired at that time and I may apply to sit on the bench part-time if it is still an option, or I might just go fishing.
It has been a wonderful change of life for me here at Government House. I mean it really has been nice. The staff are wonderful, Herb LeRoy is exceptional, and the Chef - well what can I say!
Gwen and I are coming up on our anniversary, together now for 36 years. We now have four children and 12 grandchildren. It is a noisy Christmas breakfast with nametags on even my own children.
Over the next few years I hope to bring about world peace, stop global warming and end poverty. On the other hand, I might just raise awareness about the need to get more exercise. Sometimes I feel a bit out of my element here among the clouds, but I am getting used to the lifestyle day by day. Have you ever arrived late at the theatre, got your popcorn, went to the washroom, stumbled to your seat and then found out the movie has subtitles? Well, it’s something like that.
I was the chicken man in my childhood. No, that isn’t a nickname; it was my job title. We raised chickens, pigs, and cows and grew corn and strawberries on a farm in Chilliwack. Our house in the early days had a coal-burning stove for heat, an outhouse in the back, and one bedroom for all ten children, our uncle and grandfather, plus guests if any arrived. I now live in a 103-room house, most of the time by myself, and a commissionaire to help with the daily puzzle.
I am not complaining by any means. What I am saying is that this has been a real journey for me. Well, enough about me, let’s talk about you. What do you think about me?! No, I’m not getting vain although there is plenty to get vain about. I do worry about the way my face looks however, and perhaps with good reason. But let’s face it, sometimes I wonder how it got so big! Anyway, let’s have dinner and thanks for coming tonight. I trust that we will see one another over the next five years or so and I hope it will be a pleasant association. Thank you and enjoy your visit at Government House.
- Honorary Aides-de-Camp:
- - Inspector Darrell McLean
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