Lt.-Gov.’s final levee draws a crowd
Lt.-Gov. says she loves meeting the public at event
Saskatchewan’s lieutenant-governor held what will likely be her final New Year’s Day levee at Government House on Monday.
Lt.- Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield is approaching the end of her time in office.
Though her appointment, which came into effect March 22, 2012, was to be for five years, the federal government has extended her term to the end of December and she is expected to be replaced within months.
Standing at the front of a long line of people waiting to meet her, she described the day as “bittersweet”.
“I’m delighted to be here. This is likely to be my last time doing the levee. I’m looking around at all these people, knowing that I’m going to miss having a chance to shake their hands and meet them and talk to them, because that is something I very much enjoyed doing. I’m a people person, so it makes me happy to do that,” she said.
Meeting the people of the province — throughout her term she travelled all across Saskatchewan — is something she clearly has genuine affection for.
Each person or group of people stepping up to greet her Monday was met with a warm smile and keen interest.
In that sense, Schofield is very much a reflection of how she sees Saskatchewan.
“The volunteer base that we have, the generosity of people here. The fact we have people from all over the world who settle here and are settling right in and are comfortable, it’s just a welcoming atmosphere,” she said.
One of those who came to meet her was Baine Fritzler, who said it was always something he meant to do and Monday was the day to finally do it.
“I like the custom,” he said. “Government meets the people.”
Throughout her time in the position, Schofield increased awareness of the armed forces and contributions current and former members have made to the country. Based on the number of serving or former members of the armed forces present on Monday, it is clear she has a great deal of respect from the military.
One of those former members is Reg Tweten, who says he has come to the levee “for the last 30-some years.”
He said it is something he wouldn’t miss, because it gives him an opportunity to thank the Queen’s representative for all she has done for the province.
“It’s an amazing job she does and we are so thankful to have her,” he said.
“She has left a very strong legacy in pulling people together for a common cause.
“Whether that be from the citizens from northern Saskatchewan, central Saskatchewan or southern Saskatchewan, her legacy is really pulling everyone together and making them a part and parcel of Saskatchewan and making them feel really proud about it.”
It’s an amazing job she does and we are so thankful to have her. She has left a very strong legacy in pulling people together.