B.C. Lt-Gov. Wendy Cocchia stands with her husband Sergio Cocchia, left, as B.C. Premier David Eby, third left, and Chief Justice of British Columbia Leonard Marchand applaud after she was sworn in as British Columbia's 31st lieutenant governor, in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday, January 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Wendy Cocchia sworn in as B.C.’s 31st lieutenant-governor

VICTORIA — Premier David Eby has introduced British Columbia’s new lieutenant-governor, saying Wendy Cocchia’s lifelong leadership and dedication to community service sets an example for everyone.

Cocchia, a longtime businesswoman and philanthropist, was sworn in at a ceremony at B.C.’s Parliament buildings on Thursday before an audience of family, friends, Indigenous leaders, members of the legislature and other dignitaries.

One of Cocchia’s first acts in her role was to inspect a 50-person Guard of Honour provided by Maritime Forces Pacific and Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy played The Viceregal Salute, consisting of the six opening bars of God Save the King, followed by the four opening and four closing bars of O Canada.

A 15-gun salute was fired by gunners of the 5th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.

B.C. Lt-Gov. Wendy Cocchia stands on the steps of the B.C. Legislature after she was sworn in as British Columbia’s 31st lieutenant governor, in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday, January 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Cocchia succeeds Janet Austin, who spent nearly seven years in the post, and whose farewell ceremony took place at the legislature on Wednesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2025.

Wendy Cocchia is sworn in as British Columbia’s 31st lieutenant governor by Chief Justice of British Columbia Leonard Marchand, right, as her husband Sergio Cocchia, left, holds a bible, during her installation ceremony at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday, January 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

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