Judith Guichon told a group of business women in Abbotsford on Wednesday that she believes in the importance of the "three R's" in her role as the province's new lieutenant-governor.
"My three R's are respect, relationship and responsibility," she said.
Guichon said these traits apply not only to the way she would like to see people treat one another, but to the manner in which they treat the nation's land and natural resources.
The lieutenant-governor was the guest speaker at the monthly luncheon meeting of the Business and Professional Women's Club of Abbotsford held at Cascade Community Church.
Guichon was sworn in to her new role on Nov. 2, 2012.
She said her priorities during her five-year term include visiting as many B.C. communities as possible, and focusing on programs that address leadership, literacy, and music and the arts.
"I think part of a healthy community is to celebrate with music and art … My passion is music," said Guichon, who plays the flute in a community band.
Guichon previously owned and operated the Gerard Guichon Ranch Limited in the Nicola Valley, where her family has ranched since 1878 and where she still lives.
Two of her four adult children have taken over the ranching operation.
She studied holistic management, a farming method which promotes sustainable management of livestock by emphasizing their natural habitat.
She was also involved in several organizations, including the local hospital board, community health council, 4-H, the Fraser Basin Council of B.C., the Grasslands Conservation Council of B.C., and the Nicola Water Use Management planning committee.
Guichon also served a two-year term as president of the B.C. Cattlemen's Association and served on the Provincial Task Force on Species at Risk.