On January 1st I had the privilege of attending the Lt. Governor’s Levy. Wendy and I were here at a private meeting with the Lt. Governor many years ago when we were invited for tea. Yes, that’s right we had tea with the Queen’s representative to Alberta. Of course, now the Lt. Governor represents the King.

The King and the Queen Consul is on display in the building. They had turkey and gravy on a small little bun to eat though I confess I had a coffee, toured the building, listened to one or two of the staff explain some of the changes in Government House and then headed out the door after an hour or so.

I thought I might be fashionable late arriving 30 minutes after the doors opened to discover quite a long line. Many folks had not dressed for a wait outside and I had not entirely thought that through either. I did have a coat but no hat or gloves. Fortunately and in line with our rather mild winter up to there it was about 2 degrees outside and the sun was shining which it often does here.

The folks behind me were fascinating to talk to. They come from China, just ten years ago and are now Canadian citizens. Their daughter, with them, only 7 years of age had read somewhere about this levy and asked her Mom if they could attend. So there they were a family of four going to something they did not understand. I explained who the Lt Governor is and represents as well as why this event exists. I discovered they had lived in Toronto, Yellowknife, Halifax, and now Edmonton. They were delightful to talk to you.

There were many new Canadians in line and the Lt. Governor was gracious to each of them.

If you’ve never been with the Lt. Governor or to an event like this you are “announced” to Her Honour and she is surrounded by officers from the Navy, Army, Air Force, RCMP, and local officials. She and her husband were awaiting each one and were anxious to speak briefly, have a picture taken and then greet the next person.

In case you wondered, the Lt. Governor does not live here and has not for many years though this building was originally built to provide a residence. Today it is government offices and meeting rooms including the top floor that the provincial caucus uses.

There are lots of artifacts around the building but the people attending were the real attraction and so another event in my new role in PR.