11 February 2010
Victoria, British Columbia
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today became the first Canadian Prime Minister to address British Columbia's Legislature after accepting the invitation from Premier Gordon Campbell.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of British Columbia to Canada, paying tribute to its natural beauty, boundless energy and many opportunities that continue to attract some of the best and brightest from Canada and around the world. This talent and ability has earned the province the honour of being the site of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
"The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be the most ambitious international sporting events ever held on Canadian soil," said the Prime Minister. "On behalf of the Government of Canada - and indeed all Canadians - I would like to thank everyone involved in the organization of the 2010 Olympic Games and those who have supported them, for a job very well done."
Prime Minister Harper noted that the Government of Canada has provided integral support for the Games in the form of venue infrastructure, cultural programming and a legacy fund to sustain the ongoing costs of sporting facilities and sport programming.
In his address, the Prime Minister took note of the economic strengths of both Canada and British Columbia as well as the exceptional way Canadians are pulling together in tough economic times. He also highlighted the exciting year that lies ahead for Canada, including hosting the G-8 and G-20 meetings in June as well as a Royal Tour from Her Majesty the Queen, in addition to the Olympic Winter Games.
"Canadians know no ideal can be reached without sacrifice. Ask any Olympian who wears the Maple Leaf. But that Maple Leaf, we must remember, symbolizes more than just the athletes who wear it. It symbolizes the country we love," said the Prime Minister. "Vancouver and Whistler are the staging grounds of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, but let there be no doubt, these Games are Canada's Games. And all of Canada will be cheering our athletes on."
