Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a photograph of the Lieutenant Governor?

You can download a high-quality JPEG file from the website and print it. Although these photographs may look fine on your computer screen they may require some manipulation in a graphics program to print with correct sharpness and colour values.

The Honourable Steven Point To download to your computer,
right click on the image and select
“Save Target As…”
or
“Save Link As…”
depending on your browser.

How do I address a letter to the Lieutenant Governor?

His Honour
The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
Government House
1401 Rockland Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia  V8S IV9

The salutation is "Your Honour."

How do I invite the Lieutenant Governor to attend an event?

Each year, the Lieutenant Governor attends many special events, ceremonies and celebrations across British Columbia. If you would like to invite the Lieutenant Governor to an event, you can do so by writing a letter of invitation that includes:

  • background information on the event or organization
  • the date and time of the event (and whether these are flexible)
  • information on the venue, or if you would like the event to be held at Government House
  • the number of people expected to participate
  • the role you would like the Lieutenant Governor to play, (e.g., speech (maximum of five minutes), award presentation, etc.)
  • name and telephone number of a contact person

The invitation should be addressed to:

His Honour, the Honourable Steven L. Point
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
Government House
1401 Rockland Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia V8S IV9

The salutation is “Your Honour.”

Keep in mind that the Lieutenant Governor’s calendar is planned two to three months in advance.

If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Elliott, Programmes Manager, at heidi.elliott@gov.bc.ca.

Information regarding hosting the Lieutenant Governor is available in the Protocol section.

Can I tour Government House and the gardens?

See the Visiting Government House and Tours page.

I would like to volunteer in the gardens. How do I get involved?

Telephone the Friends of the Government House Gardens Society Information Line (250) 356-5139. Select option “2". You will be prompted to leave a message and your call will be returned. You can also visit the Friends of the Government House Gardens Society page on this site.

Can I get married at Government House?

Marriage ceremonies are not allowed to take place on the grounds or in the House. Photographs in the garden are permitted. There is no sign-up/registration, it’s free, and it is on a first come-first serve basis. Photos are not permitted on New Year’s Day.

How do I arrange for Birthday or Anniversary greetings from the Lieutenant Governor?

All congratulatory messages are coordinated through the Protocol and Events Branch of the Government of British Columbia. You can find out more information and arrange for these messages online at: http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/prgs/congrat/congrat.htm

What is the Toast to the Queen and when is it used?

At luncheons and dinners the Toast to The Queen is normally proposed after the main course and before dessert. The person offering the toast asks all guests to rise, raises his or her glass and proposes the toast in the following manner, "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Queen," or "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Queen of Canada." Or "The Queen ~ La Reine." Those present raise their glasses, reply: "The Queen" and take a small sip.

What is the difference between “Lieutenant Governor” and “Lieutenant Governor in Council”?

"Lieutenant Governor” is The Queen’s representative and CEO of the province. The Lieutenant Governor does not get involved in political activity and it is an apolitical position. The Queen is the Head of the Commonwealth and the Canadian Head of State, thus The Queen of Canada. The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada, for a period of not less than five years.

The Lieutenant Governor is responsible for the following:

  • Ensuring that the province always has a premier and a government;
  • Opens, prorogues, and dissolves the Legislature;
  • Delivers the Speech from the Throne at the opening of each session;
  • Appoints and swears-in members of the Executive Council (Cabinet) with the advice of the premier;
  • Gives Royal Assent to all measures and bills passed by the Legislative Assembly;
  • Signs Orders-in-Council, proclamations, authentications, and other official documents.

Changes to any Office of the Lieutenant Governor may not be made without the unanimous approval of all provincial Legislative Assemblies, the Senate, and the House of Commons.

“Lieutenant Governor in Council” appears in many government documents, such as acts of legislation. Legally, it refers to the Lieutenant Governor acting on and with the advice of the Executive Council or Cabinet. When the Cabinet makes a decision and it has been approved by the Lieutenant Governor, it is said to have been made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. People wishing the Lieutenant Governor in Council to do something should refer to the appropriate ministry of the provincial government.

How long is a Lieutenant Governor’s term of office?

According to the Constitution Act, 1867, a Lieutenant Governor’s term of office is for a minimum of five years. The Parliament of Canada has the power to remove the incumbent prior to this time. Normally a term lasts between five and six years. The incumbent automatically remains in office until a replacement is found.

How do I get a poster of The Queen, Prince Philip, or the Governor General?

Government of Canada Infoline: 1-800-622-6232.

How do I find related websites?

British Columbia
British Columbia Government
Protocol and Events Branch of British Columbia
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Canada
Governor General of Canada
Government of Canada
Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols Promotion
Monarchy
The British Monarchy
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
The Monarchist League of Canada
Lieutenant Governors
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador
Commissioners
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut