Regina

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

January Ist, MMXII

Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns

Dear Thomas:

Let me begin by wishing, you, Stacey, & your whole family & friends all the best IV the year of MMXII Anno Domini that is now upon us. IIday of course at Government House will be the Annual Lieutenant Governor's New Year's Levee right by the Royal Museum Of Alberta. It will be my XXIVth time going & its alweays just such a tremendous occasion. Our current Lt. Gov. is a retired Lt. Colonel in our Armed Forces. So its with great respect that I ask students II go & enjoy this rich tradition. Learning both our important links II our colonial ties with Great Britain, as well as respecting the rich military history The Dominion Of Canada has put forward, both beIV & after the patriation of our Constitution withg the signature of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth The IInd. Also, its a great social studies lesson IV students & their family's II learn why retain these ancestral ties to Great Britain & The United Kingdom as a Member of the Commonwealth. Also, II remember that while Premier Alison Redford might be the Head of Her Majesty's Government In Alberta, she is not in affect the Head Of State, & neither is Lt. Gov. Donald Ethell. He represents both the Queen, as well as the Governor General Of Canada as a Provincial/Ceremonial representative of the Crown. That distinction is important b/c that perceived split in power distinguishes us as a parliamentary democracy, & not a dictatorship but a country & province wherein the Crown rules, but at the same time, must respect the word of the people!

God Save Our Gracious Queen,

Rory

Source: Myself.