It’s almost the first weekend of August, and that means one of the most anticipated long weekends of the year is upon us — B.C. Day!
This is one of the best opportunities of the year to get out and enjoy some downtime in British Columbia’s beautiful outdoors. This weekend happens to be the Interlakes Rodeo in Roe Lake, as well as the Nemiah Valley Rodeo in Nemiah, each on Aug. 4 and 5.
What is B.C. Day all about you ask? The British Columbia Day Act was first introduced in 1974 as Bill 61 by the Honourable Ernie Hall, the provincial secretary under former premier Dave Barrett. The notes prefacing the bill state: “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.”
During the bill debates, Hall stated: “We feel that British Columbia, like every other province, could benefit and should have a holiday around Aug. 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.”
So the holiday is about remembrance and celebration. It is about remembering the pioneers who built up our great province, and recognizing what an astounding one it is.
Like many of you, when I look around, I’m very proud to be a British Columbian — and I’m especially proud to serve as your MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.
From our healthcare and infrastructure, to our protected lands and AAA-credit rating, it’s clear that we have something special here. I don’t know of any other place like it in the whole world.
So I encourage you to get out there and relax in one of B.C.’s breath-taking parks, attend local community events or just sit back and relax. This weekend is about celebrating our great province, and celebrating you — the many exceptional people who all contribute to the most beautiful place on earth.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for the Cariboo-Chilcotin.