Smith says giant Christmas tree on Alberta Legislature Grounds symbolizes province

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the massive Christmas tree on the Alberta Legislature Grounds “a powerful symbol of Alberta.” Alberta Infrastructure staff brought in the 60-foot tall white spruce tree from Edson that was lit up on the Alberta Legislature Grounds. “There are countless more just like it out there in our mighty wilderness, and I’m glad we have a piece of that wilderness right here at the legislature to mark the start of the Christmas season in the province,” said Smith in a Tuesday speech at the Legislature Christmas Light Up in Edmonton. “This is a time to reflect on the past year, to look ahead to the coming year, and to celebrate with family and friends.” At Christmas, Smith said it is a time to be grateful for what people have and to be mindful of those who have less than them. For many Albertans, she pointed out Christmas “is a season of joy and hope and renewal.” That was the spirit she wanted Albertans to share at the Legislature Christmas Light Up. She said she hopes all attendees carry that light with them throughout the holiday season and let it brighten their lives and those around them. Over the coming weeks and months, she predicted many Edmontonians and Albertans will come to the Alberta Legislature Grounds and check out the Christmas lights. She added it is a beautiful, chilly way to spend time with people who they love. On behalf of the Alberta government, Smith wished attendees a merry Christmas and happy, prosperous New Year. .Alberta Official Opposition Leader Christina Gray said merry Christmas to all attendees. “This is so exciting to be here at Alberta’s legislature, to light up the legislature,” said Gray. “We’ve been doing this since 1985, which is a very long time, and I’m very excited to be here with all our special guests.” While Christmas is filled with positive aspects, Gray said she loves the spirit of joy and community that gets built around it. She said she loved seeing a huge crowd..Alberta Lt. Gov. Salma Lakhani said she always thought the Alberta Legislature Grounds never looked more beautiful than when lit up at this time of year. “I love to see all families, people from different walks of life, different backgrounds, coming to enjoy this — their legislature and their legislature grounds — with all of the lights and the music and the festivities going on,” said Lakhani. “This is truly a magical time of the year, and the mood is very positive most of the time.” Lakhani acknowledged Christmas is a time for people to be kinder and more compassionate. More than any time of the year, she said people feel motivated to watch out for less fortunate and vulnerable people and help out when they can..Smith, Gray, Lakhani, and two children pushed down on the button to light up the Alberta Legislature Grounds. The main Christmas tree lit up with red, blue, and white lights, and the star on top shone with a white colour. A group of smaller Christmas trees in front of it were adorned in red, green, and white lights, and replica reindeers took on a white colour. The trees surrounding that area lit up with red, blue, green, and white lights. While there was plenty of colour in this area, Violet King Henry Plaza featured displays with an array of colours. This ordeal comes after Smith welcomed Gov. Gen. Mary Simon on the Alberta Legislature front steps as part of her official visit to the province in October. .Smith greets Simon on Alberta Legislature front steps during official visit.The event saw Simon pull up in a three-vehicle motorcade at the front of the Alberta Legislature. Simon and her husband Whit Fraser exchanged greetings and shook hands with Smith. While some protestors had gathered outside of the Alberta Legislature, Simon acknowledged their presence by waving at them. She headed up the front steps with Smith and Fraser.

Smith says giant Christmas tree on Alberta Legislature Grounds symbolizes province

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