Transportation and Works
December 4, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works:

28th Annual Christmas Lights Ceremony Kicks-Off Holiday Season

Mr. Speaker, as Christmas approaches, residents and businesses in communities and regions throughout the province will begin decorating their properties for the holiday season.

As properties come alive with sparkling lights and decorations, they symbolize the magic of the Christmas season, the innocence of children, the warmth of time spent with family and friends, and treasured traditions and customs.

Over the last number of years, a special tradition has been formed in capital cities around our great country called the Christmas Lights Across Canada celebration. At each of these events, Christmas lights are illuminated on public buildings and public grounds.

For the launch of this truly Canadian celebration, the community comes together and revels in the holiday spirit. This year, hundreds of thousands of holiday lights will brighten the country, creating a joyful connection among all Canadians.

Tonight, our residents will join other Canadians for the 28th time as we launch Christmas Lights Across Canada. With approximately 60,000 LED lights sparkling on a Christmas tree in front of the Confederation Building, around the Petten Building and Arts and Culture Centre, and along Prince Phillip Drive, it will surely be a joyous event.

Mr. Speaker, this event will be entertaining for families and people of all ages.

I am pleased to join our Honourable Premier this evening to host this event and to have the Hits 99.1 Morning Show team of Mitch Colbourne, Brian Bradley and Keliegh Butt serve as the Masters of Ceremonies.

The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band and the Beachy Cove Elementary School choir, also known as the Beachy Tones, will be performing and singing Christmas carols. Refreshments will be served.

I encourage all members of the public service, members of this Honourable House, and all residents to attend tonight’s event and help us kick-off the Christmas season.

The event begins this evening at 6:15 in the lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block. We hope to see you all there.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2014 12 04                                   2:05 p.m.