BC's new Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin officially sworn in this week

Apr 26 2018, 6:35 am

After her appointment was announced last month, BC’s new Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin was officially sworn in this week, during a ceremony in Victoria.

She takes over the duty from outgoing Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon.

Austin comes to the position from her role as Metro Vancouver YWCA CEO.

In making his decision last month, Trudeau called Austin “an outstanding leader who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others.”

He added that her advocacy work has helped “countless” Canadians and makes her an excellent choice for the position.

“I know she will work hard to represent the province, and its people, well.”

Janet Austin (YWCA.org)

Janet Austin (YWCA.org)

During the official ceremony on Tuesday, BC Premier John Horgan congratulated Austin on her appointment.

“It’s a privilege to welcome Janet Austin as the new Lieutenant Governor to British Columbia,” he said. “She brings an extraordinary list of accomplishments and tireless advocacy for people in British Columbia to this appointment. We are truly fortunate to have such an accomplished and engaged leader to fulfil this important role.”

At an installation ceremony at the Parliament Buildings, Austin took the Oath of Allegiance and Oaths of Office, administered by Chief Justice Robert J. Bauman, before members of the legislative assembly, dignitaries, family, and friends.

One of her first duties as the new Lieutenant Governor was to inspect a 100-person guard of honour at the front of the Parliament Buildings.

She received a 15-gun salute fired by a troop of the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery and the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific played the Vice Regal Salute in tribute to her appointment.

The lieutenant governor is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Prime Minister and serves a term of at least five years.

Austin has been YWCA Metro Vancouver CEO since 2003. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland and worked for BC Housing.

She has also served as a member of various local and national organizations, including:

  • TransLink Board of Directors
  • Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Board of Directors
  • The City of Vancouver’s Healthy City for All Leadership Table
  • UBC President’s Strategic Advisory Council
  • The Board of the Canadian Paediatric Society
  • Austin is also the recipient of several awards, including the Business in Vancouver
  • Influential Women in Business Award, the Vancouver Board of Trade Community
  • Leadership Award, Vancouver Magazine Power 50, and the Wendy McDonald Diversity Champion Award.

She is also the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and is a Member of the Order of British Columbia.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Calgary and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey.

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