PROVINCE LAUNCHES BC150 COMMEMORATIVE STAMP AND BOOK

VICTORIA – Another chapter in B.C.’s history was launched today with the unveiling of a new stamp and a book commemorating the province’s first 150 years, Premier Gordon Campbell announced.

“British Columbia: Spirit of the People and this Canada Post stamp depicting the Gold Rush in British Columbia represent the achievements, triumphs and challenges that have shaped this great province we call home,” said Premier Campbell, who wrote the book’s foreword, The First 150 Years. “I want to thank author Jean Barman; stamp photographer Clinton Hussey; illustrator Adam Rogers and designers Matthew Clark and Roy White for capturing the history and spirit of British Columbia and marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of British Columbia as a Crown Colony.”

The 52¢ stamp, photographed by Clinton Hussey, features a close-up image of a pioneer panning for gold. It represents the Gold Rush, a piece of provincial history that brought tens of thousands of people from all over the world to British Columbia in 1858. Artist Adam Rogers illustrated a B.C. skyline that appears at the top of the 16-stamp sheet. Matthew Clark and Roy White of Subplot Design created the overall concept and design of all BC150 stamp products. The BC150 commemorative stamp will be available to the public on Aug. 1, 2008.

“We are proud to mark the celebrations surrounding the 150th anniversary of British Columbia with a commemorative stamp,” said Bob Waite, chairman of the Stamp Advisory Committee and senior vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility at Canada Post. “Through the stamp program, we celebrate our country, our people, our heroes, our achievements and who we are as a nation. With this stamp, all Canadians can share in this milestone. Congratulations B.C.”

“British Columbia: Spirit of the People” was written by noted B.C. historian and bestselling author Jean Barman. Five thousand copies of the book will be distributed to schools, libraries and communities across the province over the next few months. The nearly 200-page book was written, published and printed in British Columbia and is available in bookstores throughout the province.

“British Columbia: Spirit of the People” is a book about us. Blending pictures and words, it tells our story,” said Barman. “We live in a province of tremendous beauty and diversity that is home to people committed to making this special place one of the very best on earth.”

“BC150 is a chance for us all to explore and celebrate what it means to be British Columbians,” said Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen. “The BC150 commemorative stamp and book will help showcase a piece of our province’s history, First Nations heritage, rich cultural diversity and widespread accomplishments to the rest of Canada and the world.”

BC150 is a celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. For more information BC150 events and programs, please visit www.bc150.ca.

-30-


Media contact:	Bridgitte Anderson Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177	Victoria Klassen Communications Manager Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts 250 387-2799

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.