Coming up in just four days on May 14 is the provincial election, and while we won't tell you how you should vote, we will encourage you to get out and vote.
Also coming up this weekend on May 12 is another important day, this one in recognition of a very important group of people in our society.
First, a few historical words on elections in British Columbia, particularly in New Westminster, and then a reminder about these other folks. Since B.C. became a province of Canada in 1871, that year marks the first general election in which candidates sought office in the legislative assembly.
That is why the people who win in the election are referred to as MLAs - members of the legislative assembly. A couple of years later in 1873, something that we take completely and fully for granted was introduced.
Of all the things that we discuss during talks about early elections - municipal, colonial or provincial - this singular fact seems to cause the most reaction. What was introduced was the secret ballot. Before this, voters gathered in a designated polling place, and stated for all to hear, "I vote for so and so."
How comfortable would you be voting that way today? There are many other items to think about in the election history of B.C., but we will include only a couple more that are closely connected.
First the right to vote was extended to women in the year 1917, and in 1918 women voted for the first time in a provincial election. That year the first woman to run and be elected, Mary Ellen Smith, won a byelection in Vancouver.
When we look at the names of those individuals who represented the New Westminster area in the early years of our provincial electoral history, we find many that are familiar. People who follow our community's heritage or who have been on cemetery tours with us have heard of many of these gentlemen.
In the spirit of the upcoming election, a short list is in order: J.C. Hughes, W.J. Armstrong, Henry Holbrook, Ebenezer Brown, Robert Dickinson, Donald McGillivray, John Robson, James Cunningham, William Ladner, W. Norman Bole, J.C. Brown, J.B. Kennedy, and Thomas Gifford. Who will win on the 14th and join this group (the full list is much longer, obviously)? Be sure to vote.
As promised, a reminder about May 12. This date in Canada marks International Nurses Day, part of National Nursing Week.
The date chosen for this important recognition is the birthdate of Florence Nightingale. The event is used to raise the awareness of the many contributions made by nurses to our overall well-being.
You have seen and heard lots of historical references from us to our local nursing heritage. Take a moment this Sunday to say "thank you" to at least one nurse.
