BC's 150th Birthday

Premier Gordon Campbell released the following statement in recognition of B.C. Day 2008, and the 150th anniversary of British Columbia’s inception as a British Crown colony:

"This year our province marks a milestone – 150 years of achievement, cultural diversity and community strength since the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. The people and events that
have shaped British Columbia are unlike any other, and have contributed so much to our nation and our world. I proudly join all British Columbians in pausing to take stock of the challenges and triumphs of
our history, and in looking forward to our future.

"This is a time to reflect on the strengths of our province. The blending of traditions and cultures in an exceptional and evolving multi-cultural mosaic, including our First Nations’ heritages, has helped create this unique society. We are all fortunate to live in British Columbia, a place of natural riches and beauty, of prosperity and of opportunity.

"Today we think not only about how far we have come as a province, but also about what kind of province and what kind of world we want for our children, and their children. The founders of British Columbia, and all those who have followed, rose to the challenges of their day. They laid the foundation for our province and entrusted us with their legacy of leadership.

"Together we look towards a future of excitement and prosperity for all British Columbians. With the eyes of the world turning to our province in 2010, we will show them a British Columbia that is proud, dynamic and working together to build strong communities that support our children, seniors, and families – with some of the longest life expectancies and best education outcomes in the world, a province of opportunity where
people from around the world come to live, to work, and to raise a family.

"As we move forward into the next chapter of our history, we will rise to today’s challenges and leave for our children and grandchildren a province that is just as full of opportunity and optimism as it was 150 years ago."