On behalf of all British Columbians, it is my great pleasure to welcome all those participating in the 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to British Columbia-Canada Place. As the host of the next Winter Games, British Columbia is proud to join Torino as part of the Olympic tradition of excellence, competition, cultural exchange and sport.

When it was announced that Vancouver would be hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we knew it would provide an unmatched opportunity to share all that our province has to offer with the world. In addition to the thrill of world-class sport and a rich celebration of our dynamic and diverse culture, we knew the 2010 Winter Games would provide our businesses with opportunities to create new jobs, strengthen existing relationships, form new partnerships and discover new markets. That is exactly why we built British Columbia-Canada Place — to introduce you to the next host of the Winter Games and to share the secrets of our province’s success. 

This impressive log chalet provides a small glimpse of what to expect in British Columbia. Known the world over as an international travel destination for its incredible natural beauty, our province offers both urban excitement and natural wonders unparalleled anywhere in the world ­— from the breath-taking Queen Charlotte Islands to the majestic mountains of the Kootenays region, and from the rich orchards and vineyards of the Okanagan to the energy of downtown Vancouver.

British Columbia-Canada Place also highlights the enterprise and innovation at work in every corner of our province. As Canada’s most western province, British Columbia is a gateway between North America and the world. Our geographic position greatly contributes to this province’s ability to take advantage of the new age of global connection, global communication and global partnerships.

Our strong economy is leading Canada in job creation, investor confidence, housing starts and business optimism. All over British Columbia, the energy, determination and creativity of the people of our province is driving a remarkable period of economic prosperity and business success that will continue to build as we prepare for 2010.

Our location has also contributed to one of the biggest factors in our success and strength — our diversity. We are home some of Canada’s most culturally diverse communities, and that diversity is a defining element of our social and economic success. An integral part of that is the rich heritage of British Columbia’s aboriginal people, who shaped our province and continue to play a strong role in building our future. The First Nations artwork that greets visitors to B.C.-Canada Place is just one of the many cultural symbols that help illustrate the province’s rich tradition and heritage and speaks the prominent role aboriginal people are playing in helping prepare for 2010.

For British Columbians and Canadians, I hope you will see British Columbia-Canada Place as your home in Italy. For the rest of the world, I hope you will see it as a personal invitation to the 2010 Winter Games where you can see first-hand the incredible opportunities and distinct cultures that make up British Columbia. I invite you to join us in British Columbia in the years ahead and discover why we truly believe it is the best place on earth to live, visit, work and invest. 


The Honourable Gordon Campbell
Premier of British Columbia