‘Ontario has so much to offer’ – Lt.-Gov. says on County visit
Sue Capon | May 04, 2015 | Comments 0
Elizabeth Dowdeswell is focusing on what is on the minds of people in the province, and Ontario’s place in the world, as she embarks on her five-year term as the 29th Lieutenant Governor.
On a visit to Shire Hall, Friday afternoon, she noted she still feels new to the position of being the province’s representative of The Queen since being sworn into office last September. Though she did not aspire to the position, she considers it a privilege to carry out the duties of the chief executive of the province.
“This is absolutely the best part of the job to be able to go from north to south, east to west, around this province and into small communities like this and find out what is of interest to people and what they are doing and what their challenges are,” she said, noting she has attended close to 400 events over the past six months.
Dowdeswell broke tradition of incoming lieutenant-governors declaring themes that would be their priorities. Instead, she has chosen to start her term focusing on hearing ideas about what is on the minds of people in the province and Ontario’s place in the world.
“That is a recognition that we have so much to offer the rest of the world. We are so rich in every sense of the word – economically, natural resources, the relative stability of our communities; the relative respect that we have for one another. It’s not something that’s common to the rest of the world. We have a lot to contribute.”
In addition to constitutional responsibilities with government and the monarchy, Dowdeswell cherishes “the wonderful opportunity I have to recognize and award ordinary people who do extraordinary things” and commemorate special events, and things that transcend politics… bring together people to talk about and think about issues.
She and Mayor Robert Quaiff had a short visit privately where the mayor outlined the County’s heritage, agricultural history, tourism, wine and culinary industries and ongoing efforts to provide sustainable healthcare for an aging population. They also spoke about opportunities and challenges of sustainable development in a rural community.
“We are pleased to welcome her honour to Shire Hall and share our enthusiasm about all the County has to offer,” said Quaiff. “I enjoyed speaking about the County’s unique history, assets and culture, and the municipality’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance our community.”
In addition to her visit at Shire Hall, she was looking forward to attending the Pirates of Penzance theatre production at the Regent Theatre. She had been in Belleville earlier in the day, speaking at the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities conference.
“I can’t tell you how nice it is to have a good excuse to play hooky and drive on a Friday afternoon after the long, arduous winter that we’ve all survived,” she said.
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