Julias Hocking was thrilled just being inside the legislature, but he was over the moon when Gov. Gen David Johnston strode into the first-floor rotunda Monday where Hocking was waiting with his classmates.
B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 the Governor General of Canada. The Governor General is the QueenB次元官网网址檚 representative in Canada,B次元官网网址� said the 10-year-old Grade 5 Sir James Douglas elementary student. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really cool to be here.B次元官网网址�
Monday marked JohnstonB次元官网网址檚 first visit to B.C. since being appointed to his post last October, and it proved to be a historical moment for B.C.B次元官网网址檚 sheriffs, who guard courthouses across the province.
Standing before a group of school children, municipal and provincial politicians, as well as naval leaders and military veterans, Johnston and Premier Christy Clark unveiled the sheriff serviceB次元官网网址檚 new flag, coat of arms and crest.
B次元官网网址淭his is a great step forward for the sheriffs in a long (two-year) process,B次元官网网址� said Chief Sheriff Dave Maedel, who oversees 480 sheriffs in B.C.
ItB次元官网网址檚 the first time the service has had its own official insignia, signifying that it has been formally recognized as a provincial body, said Maedel, adding that until now sheriffs had been wearing B.C.B次元官网网址檚 coat of arms on their uniforms.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an important day in the establishment of the identity of the B.C. Sheriff Service to get the crest and flag granted,B次元官网网址� Maedel said.
Johnston and his wife Sharon spent the first leg of their three-day trip visiting with Premier Christy Clark, B.C. Lt.-Gov. Steven Point, Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin and community groups. They attended a First Nations event at the University of Victoria and sailed on HMCS Regina.
During his speech at the legislature, Johnston asked Canadians to help realize his dream of helping Canada evolve into a nation that supports families and children, reinforces learning and innovation, and encourages philanthropy and volunteerism.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 asking Canadians to dream about the kind of country they desire, and (I) challenge Canadians to do what they can today to make those dreams a reality tomorrow,B次元官网网址� he said.
JohnstonB次元官网网址檚 visit was expected to wrap up today (Wednesday) following his speech at the Canadian Club of Vancouver.
emccracken@vicnews.com
