Editor:
Editor’s note: These are excerpts of an open letter sent to Vancouver Island MLAs and MPs.
As Canada’s birthday approaches, we are reminded that the first parliamentary body to represent voters in British North America west of the ‘Province of Canada’ (Ontario), was the Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island, elected more than 150 years ago in 1856.
With this parliamentary governance in mind, we have begun to circulate petitions that request the federal Government of Canada, and the provincial Government of British Columbia initiate discussions with respect to the proclamation of the Province of Vancouver Island.
Our rich heritage, diverse and resilient coastal communities, as well as our renewable resources and industrial infrastructure, enable a strong and resilient economy. In short, Vancouver Island has all the attributes and prerequisites to be a province.
As such, this initiative is a natural next step in our development, as well as an important part of our Island heritage — contributing to Canada’s birth and dominion, “from East to Western sea.”
This initiative, entirely non-partisan and non-profit, will stimulate co-operation and pride of Islanders, as well as strengthen and solidify partnerships with British Columbia and within Canada.
Confederation grows with the proclamation of the Province of Vancouver Island.
Laurie Gourlay
Co-ordinator, VI Province
Cedar
