Released on December 8, 2017
It is my great pleasure to extend greetings on behalf of Canada’s Queen as we mark this special time of year.
I can hardly believe it has been nearly six years since I became Saskatchewan’s 21st Lieutenant Governor. It has been an extraordinary privilege to represent our Head of State, and to meet the remarkable people of Saskatchewan. I have been especially honoured to serve as our nation commemorates the 150th Anniversary of Confederation.
This is also the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, when thousands of Canadians served together for the first time. That remarkable victory was a pivotal moment in our history, and the international community recognized the critical contributions of Canadians. To this day, many communities in Europe honour the graves of our soldiers, who sacrificed everything to bring an end to war. A century later, Canadians continue to serve in our military, our police forces, as paramedics, firefighters, corrections officers, and border guards. I am grateful to all our men and women in uniform for honouring the legacy handed down to us by those young men who served at Vimy, 100 years ago.
As we mark this milestone year, we must acknowledge that Indigenous peoples have called this land home for thousands of years. It has been my great privilege to walk beside Elders and Chiefs in the grand entries of pow wows, to take part in a sweat lodge, and to be welcomed into First Nations communities. I am grateful to Indigenous peoples who have looked upon Canada 150 as an opportunity to create bridges of understanding. As Gord Downie said on Parliament Hill on July 1, “Now we begin a new 150 years.”
It is my sincere hope that the people of Saskatchewan will embrace this new beginning, and will reach out to those who may be different than us. It is my prayer that we will work together to create more inclusive communities, where everyone is welcome. Only we have the power to create the change we need in our country.
Over the past six years, I have presented hundreds of awards to deserving individuals. There are many more who may not receive public recognition, but who give of their time and their resources to improve the lives of others. To all the generous and capable Saskatchewan volunteers, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making our province better. You are proof that we are each able to make a difference, and that when we work together, no challenge is too great.
One of the things I love most about this time of year is spending time with my family. I also love Christmas Carols. I’d like share a few lyrics from one of my favorites.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. May the coming year be filled with joy and with peace.
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For more information, contact:
Carolyn Speirs
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6460
Email: carolyn.speirs@gov.sk.ca