Fort St. John council announces proclamations for November and December

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Fort St. John Council has announced several proclamations for November and December to raise awareness for local sports, personal health, and child safety. 

During the November 25th regular meeting of council, Mayor Lilia Hansen and councillors reviewed and approved several proclamation requests from local organizations for the months of November and December. 

Adoption advocate Jamie Giesbrecht and Lana Hanston, a social worker with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, presented to the council to raise awareness about the importance of adoption for both the children and families. 

In her verbal presentation, Giesbrecht stated she intended for the proclamation to raise awareness for the millions of orphan children across the globe, as well as the advocacy of Hearts for Adoption and Foster Care through the foster care system. 

Following unanimous approval of the council, November 2024 was formally proclaimed Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month.

The council also viewed a presentation about the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness and testing, and proclaimed December 1st to be World AIDS Day. 

The Women’s Resource Society, the North Peace Pride Society, and the Positive Living North Society spoke to council about plans for a collaborative event in December

Free HIV testing will be available to the public, as well as free educational workshops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 10th at the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society on 96th Avenue. 

Tests will be conducted in a non-invasive manner by a certified nurse and a society worker, and all attendees who get tested and attend one workshop will receive a $25 gift card. 

The Fort St. John Recreation and Speed Skating Club, which has become one of the top producers for speed skating officials in the country, and maintains one of only three indoor ovals in Canada, also presented to the council. 

The club will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, as well as hosting three provincial and national competitions in the next several months, starting with the Canadian Neo-Junior and Canadian Junior Long Track Championships from December 13th to 15th. 

Following the presentation, city council proclaimed December 8th to 15th to be Speed Skating Week in the City of Fort St. John.