Addressing Dignitaries

When dignitaries pay an official visit to B.C., they are addressed in a formal order according to their official title:

• Premiers
• Provincial Cabinet Ministers
• Federal Cabinet Ministers

For more information about how to address dignitaries such as the Prime Minister, the Governor-General, members of the Royal Family, foreign dignitaries or religious dignitaries, refer to styles of address.

Premiers

In writing, the Premier is addressed as:

The Honourable (first and last name, e.g. Peter Smith), M.L.A.
Premier of British Columbia.  The title "Honourable" is used only while in office, unless he/she is a member of the Privy Council.

The salutation is: "Dear Premier"

In conversation, the Premier is addressed as “Premier”, “Premier (last name),” or “Mr./Mrs./Ms. (last name).”

Provincial Cabinet Ministers

In writing, a Provincial Cabinet minister is addressed as:

The Honourable (first and last name, e.g. Peter Smith), M.L.A.
Minister of (name of ministry, e.g. Energy and Mines). The title "Honourable" is used only while in office, unless he/she is a member of the Privy Council.

The salutation is: "Dear Minister"

In conversation, a Provincial Cabinet minister is addressed as “Minister” or “Mr./Mrs./Ms. (last name).”

Federal Cabinet Ministers

In writing, a Federal Cabinet minister is addressed as:

The Honourable (first name and last name, e.g. Peter Smith), P.C., M.P.
Minister of (name of ministry, e.g. Health). The title "Honourable" is used only while in office, unless he/she is a member of the Privy Council.

In conversation, a Federal Cabinet minister is addressed as “Minister” or “Mr./Mrs./Ms. (last name).”