Remarks by the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
Dinner In Honour Of The Members
Of The Legislative Assembly
Monday, February 18, 2008
Victoria, British Columbia
Premier, Mr. Speaker, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly and guests:
Welcome to Government House. It has been a very interesting few months since my swearing-in ceremony. I have already travelled to Prince George, Gold River, Campbell River, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Duncan, Comox, and others. In this time I have begun the process of creating what has been called my programme. At first I was very unsure as to what that meant, “Your programme.” As time went on however, it became clear to me that although the Lieutenant Governor is non-partisan, that does not mean an absence of projects or themes.
I am very interested in youth development. I like the idea of encouraging our youth to sign up for some form of military training in a cadet programme. I am also interested in encouraging the youth to do goal orientation - that is to find the life path that will become their career. I am interested in hosting the student councils of high schools for a conference on governance. I am interested in hosting some kind of youth cadet tattoo, where the cadets come to the Legislative Assembly to show off their training.
I like the whole notion of supporting local arts initiatives and providing a forum in which local artists, performers and singers can showcase their talents. I like local choirs, and theatre groups, and school art programs. I was thinking that a cultural festival of the Arts might be very interesting and useful for our youth and adults alike.
I am very interested in the whole notion that reading a book is better than some of the other youth activities. I would very much like to encourage early childhood literacy and some youth creative writing. I also believe that there is need in this province, especially in the isolated areas, for more books for the youth and for everyone to read. I already know of one high school that is in need of a specific type of book for their young readers, and I know of an organization that is very willing to help get these books to that school.
I am very interested in the use of culture to bring people together as a way to bring about a better understanding and mutual respect and acceptance. I am thinking that I might sponsor some kind of cross-cultural event that brings together different ethnic groups for the purpose of sharing their songs, their food, and their stories. I am very interested in gathering where stories are told as a way to promote cultural awareness, and to educate each other about each other.
I think there should be a day to remember those men and women who have lost their lives while on duty, either as police officers or firemen. I think BC should have its own song, a song about BC, our diversity and our province in this our 150th year. These are just some of my ideas. I hope as my term proceeds that we can come together and make plans for our youth and citizens alike, to make an even better province. Thank you.
- Honorary Aides-de-Camp:
- - Inspector Darrell McLean
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