WHEREAS since 1946, the first full week of February has traditionally been "White Cane Week" in Canada due to the initiative of the Canadian Council of the Blind, and; WHEREAS the objective of White Cane Week is to provide education and awareness of vision loss to British Columbians through a network of special events and hands-on demonstrations throughout the province, and; WHEREAS White Cane Week has evolved to reflect the changing situations of the blind community and has begun to emphasize the equal capabilities and talents of people who are blind and partially sighted, and; WHEREAS with the province's aging population, all British Columbians need to be better informed about the effects of vision loss and to work towards creating more supportive, inclusive communities; NOW KNOW YE THAT, We do by these presents proclaim and declare that February 3 to 9, 2019 shall be known as "White Cane Week" in the Province of British Columbia.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these, Our Letters, to be made Patent, and the Great Seal of Our Province of British Columbia to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS, The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of Our Province of British Columbia, in Our City of Victoria, in Our Province, this twenty-first day of January, two thousand nineteen and in the sixty-seventh year of Our Reign.
BY COMMAND. Signed, David Eby, Attorney General (counter signature for the Great Seal). Signed, Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor.