Following the departure of Janet Austin, the new lieutenant-governor of B.C. took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oaths of Office in the legislative chamber ahead of a guard of honour parade in Victoria.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia was sworn in as the 31st lieutenant-governor of B.C. before being presented the great seal and the collar of office.

Lisogar-Cocchia said she was honoured to receive the appointment, which she called both a privilege and a "profound responsibility."

"I look forward to this opportunity to engage meaningfully with the richly diverse communities of this province. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the [former] lieutenant-governor, Janet Austin, for her exceptional service and the significant contributions that Her Honour has made over the past 6 years," she noted in a release.

Lisogar-Cocchia is the former governor of the Business Council of British Columbia, the first female trustee of the Vancouver Police Foundation, and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade鈥檚 fifth and youngest female chair. She's also the co-founder of the Pacific Autism Family Network and the Absolute Spa Group, Canada鈥檚 largest independent spa chain.

"Her lifelong leadership and exemplary dedication to community service are examples for us all. I wish her the greatest success in fulfilling her important role as vice-regal representative," noted Premier David Eby in a news release.

After her swearing in, Lt.-Gov. Lisogar-Cocchia inspected a 50-person guard of honour and received a 15-gun salute.

Former Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin left her office on Wednesday, Jan. 29 after seven years on the job.