British Columbia joined Confederation in 1871 and is Canada's Western most Province. As of 2012 the population of BC was 4.62 million people!
British Columbia Flag
As you can see above is a hand drawn picture of the British Columbian Flag, please excuse my interesting art skills. Here is a better picture. The Provincial Flag was adopted in 1960 and duplicates the Shield of Arms and it measures five by length and Three by width.As you can see there is a union jack which symbolizes are Colonial Origins. It is nearly identical to that of the British Flag with the only difference being a Gold Crown in the center.
Below that are wavy blue and silver lines which represent our geographic location between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The setting sun at the bottom can have a number of different symbolic meanings. For instance it could represent the fact that we are the most western province in Canada. Or it could be seen as reflection of the official Latin Motto Phrase for BC which is Splendour Sine Occasu which translates to Splendor without diminishment.
It can also be seen as a symbolic interpretation of the phrase "The sun never sets... on the British Empire."
Provincial Flower ~ the Dogwood
The Provincial Flower is the Dogwood tree which became BC'S floral emblem in 1956. This is me posing with a Pink Dogwood tree. These deciduous trees are between 6 to 8 metres high and are considered medium height. The Dogwood flowers between April and May but is also known for it's cluster of bright red berries and brilliant foliage during Autumn.
Here is a picture of a dogwood. Fun Fact: At one time the British Columbia Ambassador Crowns were custom made and incorporated designs using the Dogwood Flower!
Provincial Bird ~ Stellar's Jay 
The Stellar's Jay became the Province's official Bird on December 17, 1987 and it was voted as the most popular bird by the people of British Columbia. The Stellar's Jay can be found through out the Province and is distinguishable by it's vibrant blue and black colors as well as it's Cheeky, smart and lively personality. Here I am posing with a Stellar's Jay at the Osoyoos Desert Centre. At the desert centre a variety of Birds can be seen as well as several other animals.
Provincial Coat of Arms
This is my hand drawing and own interpretation of the Provincial Coat of Arms. The Shield of British Columbia was originally granted by King Edward VII in 1906 with the remaining elements granted by Queen Elizabeth II on October 15, 1987.
As you can see at the top is the Royal Crest which is a the crowned lion who is wearing a collar of Dogwood flowers, is sitting on of a Golden crown that is perched on top of the golden helmet of Sovereignty.
Below the lion is the shield which is a duplicate of the Provincial Flag with the Union Jack representing our colonial origins and the blue and Silver wavy lines our geographic location between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Supporting the shield are a Stag and a Ram and each represent the former colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.
Traditional Heraldic elements are woven into the Coat of Arms through a wreath and mantling which are in Canada's Traditional Colors. Lastly at the bottom of the shield are several dogwoods intertwined with the Latin Motto Splendour Sine Occasu which means Splendor without Diminishment.
Provincial Gemstone ~ Jade
Jade became an official BC Emblem in 1968. The gemstone consists of mostly nephrite and is mined in many parts of the Province. British Columbia Jade is prized by Carvers of Fine Jewelry and sculptures. It is of particular value in the Orient.
Here is a Picture of a Jade Bracelet my Grandparents gave me to the left and a Picture of an actual Jade Gemstone to the left.
Provincial Fish~Pacific Salmon
Did you know that the most recent Provincial Symbol was introduced in March of 2013 and it is the Pacific Salmon. The designation of Pacific Salmon as the BC Provincial Fish also includes salmon subspecies of Sockeye, Chinook, Coho, Pink and Chum salmon. As well as the inclusion of the Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout.To the left is a picture from when I tried some dried salmon that was caught here in Osoyoos To the right is a photo of a BC Salmon.
Provincial Mammal~Spirit Bear
In April of 2006 the Spirit Bear (Also called the Kermode Bear) was added to the list of Official BC Symbols. The Spirit Bear is not in fact albino but a Black bear that has white fur due to a rare genetic condition. The greatest concentration of Spirit Bears can be found on the Central and North Coast of British Columbia. Here is a photo of the Bear to the right and a picture of my "White Spirit bear" to the left
British Columbia's Provincial Tartan
The Provincial Tartan was adopted in 1974 and incorporates Five Distinct Colors in the design, with each one having it's own significance.
BLUE represents the Ocean
White represents the Dogwood
Green symbolizes the Forests
Red is for the Maple leaf
Gold represents both the Crown and the sun on the BC Shield and the Provincial Flag.
Provincial Tree ~ Western Red Cedar
The Western Red Cedar became the official Tree for BC on February 18, 1988.
Historically this evergreen tree has played a key role in the lives of West coast Aboriginal people. Side note I did not take the picture for this
Legislative Assembly
The legislative Assembly is found in the Capital of British Columbia which is Victoria and is located on Vancouver Island. Fear not if you aren't able to see the Legislative Assembly in person because there is a fabulous website where you can take a virtual tour. Not to mention it is the place where you can find Historical References and informational Resources regarding British Columbia. You can also read Assembly Debates or view Archived legislative proceedings on Hansard Television. It is also the place where you can access Current Bills as well as any revised statutes.
British Columbia Geography
Here you can witness some more of my fascinating hand drawings with my drawing of the Provincial Outline of BC.
BC is Canada's western most Province and is located between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
The Province is divided up into 7 geographical Regions including Northern BC, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, The Thompson Okanagan and the Kootenay Rockies.
The Capital City of British Columbia is Victoria which is located on Vancouver Island. The First Capital of the Province was New Westminster with it's designation having happened in 1859.
New Westminster continues to carry this historical honor with it today through it's two different City Mottos which are "The Royal City" and the "First Capital of Canada." The Province shares a border with 3 American states to the south including Idaho, Montana and Washington which is the state next to the local Osoyoos Border crossing.
To the east is the Province of Alberta.
Where as you can visit the Northwest and Yukon Territories to the North and If you continue to head Northwest of BC you will eventually find Alaska.
Did you know that British Columbia is Canada's western most Province and joined Confederation in 1871 with a population today of 4.62 Million people . Our current premier is Christy Clark who is the leader of the BC liberal party. She is British Columbia’s second female premier and 35th over all having been sworn into office in 2011. Our current Lieutenant Governor is the honorable Judith Guichon having been the 29th Lieutenant Governor of BC having been sworn in on November 2nd, 2012. The position of Lieutenant Governor simply means the acting Representative of Queen Elizabeth II within the Province of British Columbia.
My British Columbia Ambassador Program Knowledge Exam Study Guide
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