Stampede Week is upon us, and we are excited to welcome visitors from across B.C. and around the world to our region for this week and other summer events that contribute to our province’s cultural fabric and economic drive. There is so much to do and see over the coming week, including rodeos, stock car racing, pancake breakfasts all over the Cariboo Chilcotin and Canada Day celebrations.
It is a busy weekend that does so much for our community, its local businesses and our hospitality industries. Because of this, we owe so much to the hundreds of volunteers who year after year host these events for us to enjoy and for the visitors to our region. They show up for us, rain or shine and are truly ambassadors for our community and province. Tourism in British Columbia is nearly a $20 billion industry that employs over 150,000 people from across the province. Events like Stampede Week are a critical part of economic activity that supports us year-round. This summer, let's continue to support these sectors and even lend some volunteer time if you can.
Additionally, British Columbia and its beauty has been built by everyday people who want to make our province a better place to live, work and explore. These are our neighbours, our co-worker, our friends and family and they often don’t get the credit they deserve for the good work they do. That’s why it’s also exciting to let you know that the Citizen of the Year will be announced at the 108 Heritage site on Canada Day. I hope you’ll join me there in celebrating one of our neighbours who has gone above and beyond for Chilcotin.
However you choose to start celebrating our beautiful summer festival and events season, above all, play safe and take the time to welcome somebody to the Cariboo Chilcotin. I look forward to seeing you around the community this summer and am looking forward to thoughtful discussions about the future of B.C. and all of the treasures it has to offer.
