News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM Joins BC 150th Celebrations

August 4, 2008
Victoria, British Columbia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today joined British Columbians to celebrate BC's 150th birthday celebrations. The following is an abridgement of his remarks.

"150 years ago Sir James Douglas read the proclamation announcing the establishment of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. That day in 1858 will forever remain one of the most significant dates in our country's history.

"British Colombia has changed a lot since 1858. Today British Columbia has grown to become the third largest province in Confederation. It boasts a dynamic and growing economy and one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world. And today BC continues to have a quality of life unrivalled around the world.

"But for all that British Columbia has changed, its essential beauty remains the same. Today, British Columbians are still pushing out to new frontiers as Canada's Pacific Gateway. At the same time British Columbians are equally comfortable in playing a leadership role within a strong, proud and united Canada.

"As a Westerner myself, I have always admired the contributions British Columbians made to our region and to our country. And although I live just on the other side of the Rockies, it's clear to me and so many other Canadians that our success as a country will be forever linked with the optimism, ideas and energy of the people who call British Columbia home.

"On behalf of your government in Ottawa, and indeed all Canadians, happy birthday British Columbia!"

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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