Official visit to British Columbia

Since her installation, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, has made it a priority to visit every Canadian province and territory during the first year of her mandate. On Tuesday, March 7, 2006, the Governor General began her visit to British Columbia in Victoria, the provincial capital. Upon arrival at the Legislative Assembly, the Governor General was greeted by the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, by12-year-old Jeneece Edroff and by other Victoria youth.

On March 8, 2006, the Governor General traveled to Vancouver to visit with clients, staff, volunteers and partners of MOSAIC. MOSAIC, a multilingual non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues that affect immigrants and refugees in the course of their settlement and integration into Canadian society, celebrated its 30th anniversary. “Every word counts, every action matters.” said the Governor General. “The volunteers and staff at MOSAIC are living proof of this. The members of MOSAIC’s founding agencies shared a common dream: to help immigrants in the Greater Vancouver Area integrate into their host society by providing a complete range of services, from language courses to counselling to job-search training. Thirty years later, hundreds of employees and volunteers are keeping that dream alive with conviction, passion and dedication.” The Governor General also addressed young people working tirelessly to facilitate the integration of new arrivals into Canadian society. She initiated a discussion with them on the issues that they are facing.

On March 8, 2006, the Governor General traveled to Vancouver to visit with clients, staff, volunteers and partners of MOSAIC. MOSAIC, a multilingual non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues that affect immigrants and refugees in the course of their settlement and integration into Canadian society, celebrated its 30th anniversary. “Every word counts, every action matters.” said the Governor General. “The volunteers and staff at MOSAIC are living proof of this. The members of MOSAIC’s founding agencies shared a common dream: to help immigrants in the Greater Vancouver Area integrate into their host society by providing a complete range of services, from language courses to counselling to job-search training. Thirty years later, hundreds of employees and volunteers are keeping that dream alive with conviction, passion and dedication.” The Governor General also addressed young people working tirelessly to facilitate the integration of new arrivals into Canadian society. She initiated a discussion with them on the issues that they are facing.

On March 8, 2006, the Governor General traveled to Vancouver to visit with clients, staff, volunteers and partners of MOSAIC. MOSAIC, a multilingual non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues that affect immigrants and refugees in the course of their settlement and integration into Canadian society, celebrated its 30th anniversary. “Every word counts, every action matters.” said the Governor General. “The volunteers and staff at MOSAIC are living proof of this. The members of MOSAIC’s founding agencies shared a common dream: to help immigrants in the Greater Vancouver Area integrate into their host society by providing a complete range of services, from language courses to counselling to job-search training. Thirty years later, hundreds of employees and volunteers are keeping that dream alive with conviction, passion and dedication.” The Governor General also addressed young people working tirelessly to facilitate the integration of new arrivals into Canadian society. She initiated a discussion with them on the issues that they are facing.

On March 9, 2006, the Governor General paid a Civic Call on the City of Vancouver. The Governor General was greeted by His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, and an honour guard of police and fire services personnel. The Governor General and the Mayor of Vancouver delivered remarks. The Governor General also went on a short walkabout in the main plaza where members of the public welcomed her. The official welcoming ceremony continued inside Vancouver’s City Hall with the unveiling of the 1952 Olympic flag from the first Winter Olympic Games in Oslo. The Governor General emphasized the hard work carried out in preparation for hosting the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. “I salute you for making inclusiveness a condition of Olympic sponsorship. For involving the First Nations right from the start. For insisting that private sector partners support job training in the Vancouver Downtown East Side. For ensuring that corporate sponsors fund social development initiatives to enhance life not just in Vancouver, but throughout the province. What better goal than to use the Olympics and Paralympics to build capacity—not just in sport, but in volunteerism, in the arts and culture, in community in the broadest sense of the word.”

On March 9, 2006, the Governor General paid a Civic Call on the City of Vancouver. The Governor General was greeted by His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, and an honour guard of police and fire services personnel. The Governor General and the Mayor of Vancouver delivered remarks. The Governor General also went on a short walkabout in the main plaza where members of the public welcomed her. The official welcoming ceremony continued inside Vancouver’s City Hall with the unveiling of the 1952 Olympic flag from the first Winter Olympic Games in Oslo. The Governor General emphasized the hard work carried out in preparation for hosting the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. “I salute you for making inclusiveness a condition of Olympic sponsorship. For involving the First Nations right from the start. For insisting that private sector partners support job training in the Vancouver Downtown East Side. For ensuring that corporate sponsors fund social development initiatives to enhance life not just in Vancouver, but throughout the province. What better goal than to use the Olympics and Paralympics to build capacity—not just in sport, but in volunteerism, in the arts and culture, in community in the broadest sense of the word.”

On March 9, 2006, the Governor General paid a Civic Call on the City of Vancouver. The Governor General was greeted by His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, and an honour guard of police and fire services personnel. The Governor General and the Mayor of Vancouver delivered remarks. The Governor General also went on a short walkabout in the main plaza where members of the public welcomed her. The official welcoming ceremony continued inside Vancouver’s City Hall with the unveiling of the 1952 Olympic flag from the first Winter Olympic Games in Oslo. The Governor General emphasized the hard work carried out in preparation for hosting the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. “I salute you for making inclusiveness a condition of Olympic sponsorship. For involving the First Nations right from the start. For insisting that private sector partners support job training in the Vancouver Downtown East Side. For ensuring that corporate sponsors fund social development initiatives to enhance life not just in Vancouver, but throughout the province. What better goal than to use the Olympics and Paralympics to build capacity—not just in sport, but in volunteerism, in the arts and culture, in community in the broadest sense of the word.”

On March 9, 2006, the Governor General paid a Civic Call on the City of Vancouver. The Governor General was greeted by His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, and an honour guard of police and fire services personnel. The Governor General and the Mayor of Vancouver delivered remarks. The Governor General also went on a short walkabout in the main plaza where members of the public welcomed her. The official welcoming ceremony continued inside Vancouver’s City Hall with the unveiling of the 1952 Olympic flag from the first Winter Olympic Games in Oslo. The Governor General emphasized the hard work carried out in preparation for hosting the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. “I salute you for making inclusiveness a condition of Olympic sponsorship. For involving the First Nations right from the start. For insisting that private sector partners support job training in the Vancouver Downtown East Side. For ensuring that corporate sponsors fund social development initiatives to enhance life not just in Vancouver, but throughout the province. What better goal than to use the Olympics and Paralympics to build capacity—not just in sport, but in volunteerism, in the arts and culture, in community in the broadest sense of the word.”

The Governor General met privately with His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, and his cabinet.

The Governor General met privately with His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, and his cabinet.

The Governor General met privately with His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, and his cabinet.

The Governor General met privately with His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, and his cabinet.

On March 9, 2006, in Vancouver, the Governor General attended a luncheon hosted by the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia. In her speech, the Governor General thanked the people of British Columbia for their warm welcome and outlined the activities in which she participated during her first official visit to British Columbia.

On March 9, 2006, in Vancouver, the Governor General attended a luncheon hosted by the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia. In her speech, the Governor General thanked the people of British Columbia for their warm welcome and outlined the activities in which she participated during her first official visit to British Columbia.

On March 9, 2006, in Vancouver, the Governor General took part in the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association’s third annual Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Symposium. She spoke with and listened to young Aboriginal entrepreneurs seeking to create economic opportunities and to explore business opportunities to improve the outlook for their communities.

On March 9, 2006, in Vancouver, the Governor General took part in the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association’s third annual Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Symposium. She spoke with and listened to young Aboriginal entrepreneurs seeking to create economic opportunities and to explore business opportunities to improve the outlook for their communities.

On March 9, 2006, in Vancouver, the Governor General took part in the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association’s third annual Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Symposium. She spoke with and listened to young Aboriginal entrepreneurs seeking to create economic opportunities and to explore business opportunities to improve the outlook for their communities.

On March 9, 2006, in Vancouver, the Governor General took part in the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association’s third annual Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Symposium. She spoke with and listened to young Aboriginal entrepreneurs seeking to create economic opportunities and to explore business opportunities to improve the outlook for their communities.

On March 8, 2006, the Governor General attended a luncheon hosted by Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The Governor General delivered a poignant speech, which highlighted the ongoing struggle of Canadian women to achieve equality and honoured their efforts in this regard. “Why, then, do you think we should dedicate an entire day to women as we move into the third millennium? Have we not achieved the equality for which our mothers and grandmothers fought? March 8th is a wonderful opportunity to see the other side of the coin, to speak on behalf of those women who dare not or cannot, to deconstruct prejudice and bring to light the lingering disparities between women and men.”

On March 8, 2006, the Governor General attended a luncheon hosted by Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The Governor General delivered a poignant speech, which highlighted the ongoing struggle of Canadian women to achieve equality and honoured their efforts in this regard. “Why, then, do you think we should dedicate an entire day to women as we move into the third millennium? Have we not achieved the equality for which our mothers and grandmothers fought? March 8th is a wonderful opportunity to see the other side of the coin, to speak on behalf of those women who dare not or cannot, to deconstruct prejudice and bring to light the lingering disparities between women and men.”

On March 8, 2006, in the company of His Worship Alan Lowe, Mayor of Victoria, the Governor General walked through Centennial Square, by the landmark Chinese Public School, and to the Gates of Harmonious Interest in Chinatown. Members of the public greeted the Governor General along the way.

Since her installation, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, has made it a priority to visit every Canadian province and territory during the first year of her mandate. On Tuesday, March 7, 2006, the Governor General began her visit to British Columbia in Victoria, the provincial capital. Upon arrival at the Legislative Assembly, the Governor General was greeted by the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, by12-year-old Jeneece Edroff and by other Victoria youth.

Since her installation, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, has made it a priority to visit every Canadian province and territory during the first year of her mandate. On Tuesday, March 7, 2006, the Governor General began her visit to British Columbia in Victoria, the provincial capital. Upon arrival at the Legislative Assembly, the Governor General was greeted by the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, by12-year-old Jeneece Edroff and by other Victoria youth.

During the official welcoming ceremony by the Province of British Columbia on March 7, 2006, the Governor General delivered an address to British Columbians and spoke of “the opportunity” she will have to “meet with gardeners and politicians, with social activists and aboriginal youth, as well as young immigrants, and also with members of the armed forces and ordinary heroes.” She also reiterated that she will “take the stories and ideas you share with me, and in turn, share them with the rest of the country.”

During the official welcoming ceremony by the Province of British Columbia on March 7, 2006, the Governor General delivered an address to British Columbians and spoke of “the opportunity” she will have to “meet with gardeners and politicians, with social activists and aboriginal youth, as well as young immigrants, and also with members of the armed forces and ordinary heroes.” She also reiterated that she will “take the stories and ideas you share with me, and in turn, share them with the rest of the country.”

As part of the official welcoming ceremony at the Victoria Legislature on March 7, 2006, the Governor General reviewed a guard of honour comprised of 100 Canadian Forces members from Maritime Forces Pacific.

On March 7, 2006, in Victoria, the Governor General met privately with the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia. Prior to meeting with him, she addressed the Legislative Assembly. “British Columbia has a long tradition of electing members from immigrant and minority communities who have ensured that this legislature has led the way in reflecting the rich diversity of your province’s, and Canada’s population,” she said.

In the presence of Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Rear-Admiral Roger Girouard, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, the Governor General sailed onboard the Halifax Class frigate HMCS Calgary. Onboard, the Governor General toured the ship, witnessed first-hand the work of the crew, took part in a mock sea rescue operation and paid tribute to the women and men serving in our armed forces.

In the presence of Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Rear-Admiral Roger Girouard, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, the Governor General sailed onboard the Halifax Class frigate HMCS Calgary. Onboard, the Governor General toured the ship, witnessed first-hand the work of the crew, took part in a mock sea rescue operation and paid tribute to the women and men serving in our armed forces.

In the presence of Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Rear-Admiral Roger Girouard, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, the Governor General sailed onboard the Halifax Class frigate HMCS Calgary. Onboard, the Governor General toured the ship, witnessed first-hand the work of the crew, took part in a mock sea rescue operation and paid tribute to the women and men serving in our armed forces.

In the presence of Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Rear-Admiral Roger Girouard, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, the Governor General sailed onboard the Halifax Class frigate HMCS Calgary. Onboard, the Governor General toured the ship, witnessed first-hand the work of the crew, took part in a mock sea rescue operation and paid tribute to the women and men serving in our armed forces.

In the presence of Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Rear-Admiral Roger Girouard, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, the Governor General sailed onboard the Halifax Class frigate HMCS Calgary. Onboard, the Governor General toured the ship, witnessed first-hand the work of the crew, took part in a mock sea rescue operation and paid tribute to the women and men serving in our armed forces.

In the presence of Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Rear-Admiral Roger Girouard, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, the Governor General sailed onboard the Halifax Class frigate HMCS Calgary. Onboard, the Governor General toured the ship, witnessed first-hand the work of the crew, took part in a mock sea rescue operation and paid tribute to the women and men serving in our armed forces.

On, March 8, 2006, the Governor General paid a Civic Call on the City of Victoria. Upon arrival at Victoria City Hall, the Governor General was greeted by His Worship Alan Lowe, Mayor of Victoria, and was welcomed by a group of dancers who performed a traditional Chinese lion dance. The Governor General was officially welcomed during a ceremony that included remarks by the Mayor of Victoria and the Governor General, the signing of the distinguished visitor’s book, and music. During her speech, the Governor General said: “I believe that the narrow notion of ‘every man for himself’ which excludes so many and drives them to despair, does not belong in a country where the values of respect, sharing and tolerance prevail. As Governor General of Canada, I will seize every opportunity to give a voice to those seldom heard: young people, the excluded, the marginalized, the voiceless.” The Governor General also presented Governor General’s Caring Canadian Awards to two Vancouver Island residents.

On, March 8, 2006, the Governor General paid a Civic Call on the City of Victoria. Upon arrival at Victoria City Hall, the Governor General was greeted by His Worship Alan Lowe, Mayor of Victoria, and was welcomed by a group of dancers who performed a traditional Chinese lion dance. The Governor General was officially welcomed during a ceremony that included remarks by the Mayor of Victoria and the Governor General, the signing of the distinguished visitor’s book, and music. During her speech, the Governor General said: “I believe that the narrow notion of ‘every man for himself’ which excludes so many and drives them to despair, does not belong in a country where the values of respect, sharing and tolerance prevail. As Governor General of Canada, I will seize every opportunity to give a voice to those seldom heard: young people, the excluded, the marginalized, the voiceless.” The Governor General also presented Governor General’s Caring Canadian Awards to two Vancouver Island residents.

On, March 8, 2006, the Governor General paid a Civic Call on the City of Victoria. Upon arrival at Victoria City Hall, the Governor General was greeted by His Worship Alan Lowe, Mayor of Victoria, and was welcomed by a group of dancers who performed a traditional Chinese lion dance. The Governor General was officially welcomed during a ceremony that included remarks by the Mayor of Victoria and the Governor General, the signing of the distinguished visitor’s book, and music. During her speech, the Governor General said: “I believe that the narrow notion of ‘every man for himself’ which excludes so many and drives them to despair, does not belong in a country where the values of respect, sharing and tolerance prevail. As Governor General of Canada, I will seize every opportunity to give a voice to those seldom heard: young people, the excluded, the marginalized, the voiceless.” The Governor General also presented Governor General’s Caring Canadian Awards to two Vancouver Island residents.

On March 8, 2006, in the company of His Worship Alan Lowe, Mayor of Victoria, the Governor General walked through Centennial Square, by the landmark Chinese Public School, and to the Gates of Harmonious Interest in Chinatown. Members of the public greeted the Governor General along the way.

On March 8, 2006, in the company of His Worship Alan Lowe, Mayor of Victoria, the Governor General walked through Centennial Square, by the landmark Chinese Public School, and to the Gates of Harmonious Interest in Chinatown. Members of the public greeted the Governor General along the way.

On March 9, 2006, in Vancouver, the Governor General took part in the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association’s third annual Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Symposium. She spoke with and listened to young Aboriginal entrepreneurs seeking to create economic opportunities and to explore business opportunities to improve the outlook for their communities.