Victoria - Harry Bloy, a long time volunteer for the Regional Council of Scouts Canada (Pacific Region) and MLA for Burquitlam, wants to remind everyone that this week is Scout-Guide Week in the province of British Columbia.

Addressing the Legislature last week wearing his Scout uniform, Bloy proclaimed, “as a tribute to the high esteem in which Scouts and Guides and their leaders are held, it is deemed appropriate to issue a proclamation appointing the week of February 20 to 27, 2005, inclusive, as Scout-Guide Week in the province of British Columbia.”

Scout-Guide Week is held to recognize the birth of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, who founded scouting in 1907. In 1908 Scouting arrived in Canada and soon established a country-wide presence. With the 100th anniversary of Scouting fast approaching, preparation is well underway for the 2007 Pacific Jamboree that will be hosted right here in British Columbia.

There are 40,000 Scouts and Guides in B.C., 290,000 across the rest of Canada and over 25 million in 216 countries and territories world-wide. As Lord and Lady Baden Powell were both born on February 22, Scout-Guide Week occurs annually beginning the Sunday before February 22 and ends on the following Sunday.

“For almost 100 years, Scouting has been a great benefit to the young people in our province. Scouting builds live-long skills, personal development and camaraderie. I encourage all young British Columbians to become involved in scouting and for adults to volunteer their time for this worthwhile endeavour,” Bloy added.

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