Official message
Message from the Premier of Alberta
On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to share a message with everyone gathering in Calgary for the First Rocky Mountain Reading Festival.
Literacy is one of the most important and transformational skills anyone can develop. It unlocks the world’s knowledge and sparks a dialogue that transcends time and borders. Few experiences are more rewarding than getting lost in a good book.
I commend festival organizers for their efforts to promote literacy, education, cultural exchange and international friendship. These are values Alberta’s government is proud to support. By encouraging a love of reading, festivals like this equip young people with the knowledge, curiosity and confidence they need to succeed. I also applaud your efforts to strengthen connections between Canada and China. Our two nations have so much we can learn from each other, and that includes discovering the rich literary traditions of both.
I wish you much success with your first-ever festival. I hope it becomes a mainstay of Alberta’s cultural calendar in future years, bringing together Albertans as well as visitors from other parts of Canada and around the world.