Tributes pour in on the passing of Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth passed away peacefully September 8 at Balmoral
September 8, 2022, 1:27 pm
Following are statements from provincial and federal leaders on the passing of Queen Elizabeth on September 8 at the age of 96.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe:
Like many of you, I was deeply saddened today to learn of the death of our Queen - the only monarch most of us have ever known - Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.
Her reign of over 70 years spanned an incredible period of history. She was Queen during the term of 12 Canadian Prime Ministers and 9 Saskatchewan Premiers. But even more enduring was the dedication, dignity and grace with which she served as Queen of Canada and the Commonwealth.
Many of us have fond memories of Her Late Majesty's visits to our province - first as Princess Elizabeth in 1951 and then on five occasions as Queen - in 1959, 1973, 1978, 1987 and 2005.
She visited many parts of our province, meeting with people from all walks of life, including continuing the special relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples.
Today, we express both our condolences and our loyalty to the Crown and to our new Monarch, His Majesty the King. I know he will carry on his responsibilities with the same honour, dignity and grace exemplified by his late mother every day of her 70-year reign.
Flags at the Legislature and at provincial buildings are already at half-mast in remembrance of the victims of the recent attacks at James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon. They will remain at half-mast until His Majesty's Accession is proclaimed, where they will be raised and then lowered again until the day of Her Late Majesty's funeral service. Books of condolences will be available to be signed by the public during regular business hours at the Legislative Building and Government House in Regina.
God bless Saskatchewan. God bless Canada. And God Save The King.
Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty
The world has lost a remarkable individual.
Through a life devoted to duty, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II exemplified integrity, humility, inner strength and outward grace.
She was a constant in a changing world. She respected tradition but embraced change. As Head of the Commonwealth, she encouraged unity. As Queen of Canada, she remarked often on the service of our citizens, our commitment to multiculturalism and our potential to influence the world.
Her Majesty was very fond of Canada and Canadians and thought of our country as her home away from home.
She was committed to Reconciliation and acknowledged the painful history that Indigenous peoples endured in residential schools in Canada, as well as the work that remains to heal and to continue to build an inclusive society.
While we mourn her loss, we can also give thanks for her extraordinary contributions to Canada and the world.
Conservative Party of Canada leader Candice Bergen
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, I want to express our deepest condolences to the Royal family.
As a proud Commonwealth country, we grieve with unspeakable sadness the loss of our longest-reigning monarch. Her Majesty’s sense of duty to Canada was both deeply held and demonstrated in her actions.
As Queen of Canada, she was not only a witness to our historical evolution as a modern, confident, and self-assured nation – she was an active participant. She was with us to open the St. Lawrence Seaway. She presided over our centennial celebrations. Later, she even opened the Olympic Games in Montreal.
Many will say today that her passing marks the end of an era, but truly, Her Majesty presided over two eras in Canada’s national life.
Twenty-five years after she opened Canada’s Parliament for the first time, Her Majesty signed the Constitution Act. In so doing, she granted Canada the ability to amend our constitution with full autonomy and entrenched the Charter of Rights and Freedoms firmly into Canadian law. This profound moment clearly defined the beginning of a new era for Canada as a fully self-governing nation, while maintaining strong ties to the history that made us who we are.
While our country has been cast into mourning, our thoughts are with her entire family, and especially to His Majesty, Charles. Long may he reign.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For most Canadians, we have known no other Sovereign. Queen Elizabeth II was a constant presence in our lives. Time and again, Her Majesty marked Canada’s modern history. Over the course of 70 years and twenty-three Royal Tours, Queen Elizabeth II saw this country from coast to coast to coast and was there for our major, historical milestones.
She would proclaim ‘it was good to be home’ when returning to her beloved Canada. She was indeed at home here, and Canadians never ceased to return her affection.
Her Majesty vowed to devote her life to the service of the Commonwealth and its people. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank Queen Elizabeth II for honouring this vow and for a lifetime of service.
Her Majesty’s reign spanned so many decades – a period when we came into our own as a confident, diverse, and forward-looking country. It is her wisdom, compassion, and warmth that we will always remember and cherish.
Today, a page has not only been turned, but a chapter in our shared history has drawn to a close. I know Her Majesty’s service to Canada and Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history. The coming days will be a period of mourning for Canadians, as it will be for all Commonwealth citizens, ending with a national day of mourning when a commemorative service will be held to mark the passing of our Sovereign.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I express our heartfelt condolences to members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time.
