LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S 2008 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

As we celebrate this special time of year, it is a great pleasure to extend greetings to you on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada.

I am fortunate to work in the beautifully restored Government House in Regina. In the new Queen Elizabeth II Wing of the House, the historic provincial landau is on display. This horse-drawn carriage was owned by Lieutenant Governor George Brown and later by Lieutenant Governor Richard Lake in the early 1900s. The landau is still in use today. It has become part of our provincial traditions such as the opening of the Legislative Assembly and Royal Visits.

The holiday season is filled with traditions. When I was growing up in the town of Saltcoats, I remember our family tradition of making homemade ornaments for our Christmas tree.

Her Honour Mrs. Naomi Barnhart:

In my family, when I was growing up on our farm near Osler, our traditions included attending the Christmas Eve service. My brothers and I participated in the Sunday School program, and at the end of the evening, every child was given a bag full of Christmas treats.

His Honour Dr. Gordon Barnhart:

As Naomi and I have visited communities throughout our province this year, we have been astounded by the Saskatchewan tradition of volunteerism. We want to thank all of the generous individuals in our province who donate their time and energy to their communities.

Many of our towns and cities celebrated their centennial anniversary in 2008. We were fortunate to celebrate with the people of Asquith, Lanigan, Melville, Wawota, and Southey. Each of these 100 year-old communities created exceptional homecomings that were organized by committed local volunteers.

In 2008, Naomi and I hosted our second Leadership Forum for grades 11 and 12 students. This is a tradition that we established in 2007. Nineteen outstanding students participated in the Forum this year. They were exposed to the vast educational and career opportunities in Saskatchewan. They also explored the significance and meaning of leadership. We are so pleased that the 2nd annual Forum was a life-changing experience for the students, and we believe that it will have a lasting impact not only in their lives, but for our province.

Her Honour Mrs. Naomi Barnhart:

In 2008, we began a new tradition at Government House with the first Lieutenant Governor's Garden Party. We were joined by over 2,000 people to launch the Edwardian Garden Project. We hope that you will join us at the 2nd Annual Garden Party on July 1st, when this exciting project will be complete.

Last year, Gordon and I were proud to become Ambassadors for Saskatchewan In Motion. Thanks to In Motion, thousands of people of all ages, in every corner of our province, are finding ways to make physical activity part of their day.

In the coming year, I encourage you to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. You will have more energy, less stress, and a positive outlook on life. Both your body and mind will benefit, and your friends and family will be inspired to follow your example.

His Honour Dr. Gordon Barnhart:

The final tradition we want to mention is the Lieutenant Governor's New Year's Day Levee. Since 1884, Vice-Regal couples have been opening the doors of Government House for this annual reception on January 1st. We invite you to take part in this Saskatchewan tradition at Government House on New Year's Day.

Naomi and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and a Joyous New Year.

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For more information, contact:

Carolyn Speirs
Lieutenant Governor
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6460