In her first Speech from the Throne, British Columbia Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia focused heavily on ensuring the province was prepared to combat Donald Trump, calling this "the most consequential time for our province since the second world war."
She evoked wartime rhetoric, reminding British Columbians of their ancestors' involvement in World War II and calling on everyone to unite against the threats the province currently faces.
Cocchia opened her speech with a strong message to the American president, though he was never mentioned by name.
"We open this session of British Columbia's 43rd parliament at the most consequential time for our province since the second world war," she began. "In the face of an unprecedented and unjustified threat to our economy, British Columbians are joining with all Canadians to fight back ... We are saying with one united voice, we will never be the 51st sate. Not now, or ever."
She reminded everyone that the first month of the Trump administration has been a "roller coaster ride" for Canada, warning that "we must be prepared for this to continue for the next four years."
"Trust has been broken, and will not easily be repaired," Cocchia added, noting that as a result, British Columbia must take it upon itself to ensure it can fend for itself.
Cocchia went on to list a few ways in which British Columbians have "risen to meet the moment" throughout history, zeroing in on World War II, when Winston Churchill's call for support to fight the Nazis was answered in droves.
"Today, we are called on to summon that strength and character one more time," she declared, "to summon the courage to do things differently, to chart our own course."
The rest of the speech essentially repeated promises the ruling BC NDP made during the election and in the months since. Cocchia said the government was committed to ensuring British Columbians have an environment in which they can thrive and live safely, regardless of what happens south of the border.
