Lieutenant Governor’s Levee Day held at Government House, one of Saskatchewan’s oldest traditions

Residents packed Government House on New Year’s Day, meeting Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre during her first levee since taking office.

One of Saskatchewan’s oldest traditions, the Lieutenant Governor’s Levee Day, was held at Government House on Thursday.

As part of the tradition, visitors were able to meet the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre, who gained the role of Lieutenant Governor 11 months ago on Jan. 31, 2025. McIntyre has been to the levee before, but this time around was her first time attending as Lieutenant Governor.

Almost a full calendar year into a prestigious role, McIntyre reflected on her time so far.

“It’s a wonderful honour, it’s a real thrill and privilege to be able to represent the people of Saskatchewan and to be able to honour the people of Saskatchewan,” she said. “What I’ve learned is that we meet so many wonderful people, and we give medals and awards and recognitions throughout the province. We have wonderful people here, and we get to highlight them as Lieutenant Governor.”

As part of the levee, visitors were able to take photos with McIntyre.

“It’s really awesome,” said a teenage girl in line. “I’ve never had the chance to meet her, and I’ve also never been to the Government House before. It’s a good start to the New Year.”

Some also connect with McIntyre in different ways. McIntyre grew up in Bethune, just 40 minutes northwest from Regina. McIntyre graduated from the University of Regina with a degree in Economics and Business Administration.

“I also come from a rural background, and went to the University of Regina,” said one woman also in line. “It was an honour to meet someone who many would consider a role model.”

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As New Year’s resolutions are a common topic right now, CTV News asked McIntyre what she thinks should be improved in the province going into 2026.

“I think that we just have to keep being the wonderful people we are and focusing on our strengths because Saskatchewan has so many strengths,” she said. “And of course, most of it comes from its people, its Indigenous people, the settlers and everyone who works hard and volunteers for this province. So, I wish them all a prosperous, healthy and happy 2026.”

While the levee is one of Regina’s oldest traditions dating back to 1884, the day has had its ebbs and flows. The event was not hosted at the Government House until 1891, because the building was not built yet.

The tradition hit a pause during the years of war during the first half of the 20th century, and made it’s return in 1984 by F.W Johnson. In years past, women and children were not allowed to attend, but Johnson and his wife decided to banish that rule when the levee returned.

Carolyn Spears, executive director of the Lieutenant Governor’s office and private secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, has worked in the government for 30 years. She started working in the lieutenant’s office 28 years ago.

“I think people that are new to the province, new to the country, even really want to experience the traditions, the local tradition,” she said. “So, it’s lovely how diverse it is at this event.”

Spears reflected on why this levee is so important to highlight the history of Saskatchewan and how it relates to the Crown.

“It’s part of our constitutional monarchy that doesn’t change,” she said. “Politicians come and go, but we always have that symbolism of the Crown, and it’s filled by different people, and different people play that role. But the tradition of the Crown of the royals, the Lieutenant Governor, the Governor General remains the same.”

The event also had a craft room, as well as two bands playing their music in the main hall.