VANCOUVER -- B.C. Premier Christiana Joan “Christy” Clark considered it as “an honour and privilege” the time she spent with representatives of the Filipino-Canadian community on Febru ary 3. Clark took pride in being the first premier in recent memory to mingle with prominent members of the third largest ethnic group in Canada at the Josephine’s Restaurant on Main Street. “We all feel equally Canadians and we care about a couple of things that matter,” said Clark, leader of the B.C. Liberal party. Sworn in as premier on March 14, 2011, Clark, 46, was awarded with plaque of appreciation by organizers of Damayan concert led by Reyfort Media Group chairman Rey Fortaleza for donating $25,000 to victims of recent typhoons in the Philippines via the International Red Cross.

In welcoming the Premier, Fortaleza expressed appreciation for her efforts in reaching out to the community. Clark exhorted Filipino community leaders to continue instilling good character to their children “so we can produce great citizens and build a great country”. “We depend on our uncles and aunts, our sisters and brothers and our parents in instilling characters and you all represent your family,” said Clark, who once served as minister of education, minister of children and family development and deputy premier prior.

She’s currently MLA in Vancouver-Point Grey, the riding vacated by her predecessor as premier, Gordon Campbell. Clark was first elected to the legislature in the 1996 election, representing the riding of Port Moody-Burnaby Mountain. During the next five years, she served as the Official Opposition critic for the environment, children and families and for the public service. She also served as the campaign co-chair for the B.C. Liberals during the 2001 election, in which the party won 77 of 79 seats in the legislature.

Former newscaster Pamela Martin led the Premier’s staff who arrived in advance. Clark’s talk was followed by photo sessions with members of the community who were excited to meet the Premier. Click here to view more photos

 

THANK YOU, MADAME PREMIER! B.C. Premier Christy Clark is fl anked by Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) president Tomas Avendaño (left), Reyfort Media Group chairman Rey Fortaleza, and Philippine Consul Anthony A.L. Mandap shortly after receiving the “Filipino Canadian Community Plaque of Gratitude and Recognition for Humanitarian Contribution” for donating $25,000 to the “Damayan Para Sa Kababayan” project at the Josephine’s Restaurant in Vancouver, B.C. on February 3, 2012. The award was jointly given by the Filipino Canadian Cultural Heritage Society, Philippine Consulate General-Vancouver, MHHS, Metro Vancouver Philippine Arts and Cultural Exposition Society, Palengkeng Pinoy Trade and Exchange Network, and the Reyfort Media Group

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