2007 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

His Honour Dr. Gordon Barnhart:
As we celebrate this special season, it is a great pleasure to extend greetings to you on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada.

Naomi and I want to express our sincere thanks to the thousands of people who warmly welcomed us throughout the past year. Our province has a wealth of committed volunteers who exemplify community spirit.

This year has been full of memorable events. Naomi and I were honoured to have a private audience with Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace in May. It is a deep privilege to represent our devoted monarch.

Saskatchewan proudly hosted Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal in June. Our citizens have a genuine respect and affection for the royal family; this was evident at every event during Princess Anne's visit.

Her Honour Mrs. Naomi Barnhart:
Throughout 2007, I have had many opportunities to address students and health care professionals about the benefits of physical fitness and nutrition. When parents involve their children in active play, and model a healthy lifestyle, children are likely to follow their example. I am delighted that this important message has been so enthusiastically received.

Gordon and I were honoured to be named Ambassadors for Saskatchewan in motion this year. This exciting initiative encourages Saskatchewan residents to join the physical activity movement, and to make exercise part of every day. We are pleased to support in motion's worthy goal; Saskatchewan can become the healthiest most physically active province in Canada.

His Honour:
It was gratifying to see our dream become reality this fall. The first Lieutenant Governor's Leadership Forum brought together 17 senior high school students from across the province. They learned about the vast educational and career opportunities in Saskatchewan. The students explored the meaning of leadership through unique access to outstanding Saskatchewan leaders.

We are thrilled that the 2007 Forum had tremendously positive outcomes; it was a life-changing experience for the participants. We believe that the Forum will have a long-term impact on our province, as these promising young people are better able to envision their future in Saskatchewan.

As we enjoy this festive season with family and friends, it is appropriate to reflect upon our countless blessings. How fortunate we are to benefit from the rights and freedoms afforded by our successful form of government. How blessed we are to live in a nation that embraces diversity and equality. How lucky we are to be residents of a province whose citizens are renowned for their generosity and compassion.

Naomi and I are grateful to live in such an amazing place, and to serve the Crown in Saskatchewan. We hope you will join us at the Lieutenant Governor's New Year's Day Levee at Government House in Regina.

We extend warm Season's greetings from our family to yours.

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For more information, contact:

Heather Salloum
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4415
Email: hsalloum@ltgov.sk.ca