Happy BC Day! (statutory holiday in British Columbia)
I was searching around for the history around why we have a statutory holiday in British Columbia in August (coincidentally, the day after we usually celebrate Vancouver Pride). I found some interesting historical information from the Protocol & Events Branch of the Government of British Columbia).
The British Columbia Day Act, R.S.B.C. 1996 c.34 was first introduced in 1974 as Bill 61 by the Hon. Ernie Hall, the Provincial Secretary under Premier Dave Barrett. The explanatory notes prefacing the bill states: “The purposes of this Bill is to recognize the pioneers of British Columbia by declaring the first Monday of August in each year to be a public holiday known as British Columbia Day.”
From the B.C. Debates, 4th Session, 30th Parliament, May 1, 1974, the Hon. Hall states, “August 1, or the closest working day to it, is a statutory holiday in every other province in Canada. By coincidence, an Act to provide to the Government of British Columbia, which changed us from the Colony of British Columbia, was passed by Parliament in the United Kingdom on August 2, 1858….
“We feel that British Columbia, like every other province could benefit and should have a holiday around August 1. We feel that the holiday should be dedicated to the pioneers who built the colony of British Columbia into the great province it is today…”
I’m very lucky to live in the province of British Columbia. Despite the fact that I’m a total urbanite and I love my urban setting, I also happen to love the outdoors, and the past weekend has been gloriously sunny and warm, so I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
I’ve been lucky to see sunrises in Parksville, BC.
And sunsets in Steveston, BC.
I’ve enjoyed long walks around the Wharf in Victoria, BC.
And ziplining in Whistler, BC.
I’ve travelled a lot of BC, I’ve discovered this beautiful province and I can’t get enough of it. I love travelling and I absolutely adore the province I live in, so I definitely do celebrate BC. Happy BC Day, British Columbians!
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Sometimes my colleagues from around the world ask when I am going to take a vacation. I say, “I live on Bowen Island, in Howe Sound, BC. Where would I go for a vacation?” I was delighted to see that the last image in your photo essay was of Howe Sound (taken from the train heading to Whistler) showing Anvil Island and Mt. Wrottesley (1625 m/ 5330 ft). Living here is like living in a postcard. No, better… most postcards capture that one special view at the perfect moment. Here, it is all spectacular wherever you look, in all weather and in all seasons.
Robert – thanks so much for the kind words. Yes, we do live in an idillic place. Although.. Paris keeps calling me back
Wow the pictures are fantastic, what sort of lens did you use to take these pictures. The picture of the mountains with the tree in the forefront is absolutely amazing.
The picture of the Wharf in Victoria is lovely. I used to live in Victoria many years ago, before moving back to England.
Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant, my Grandfather is from British Columbia, and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever had the fortune to visit, thank you so much for your post, the photo’s are great.