Canadian politicians sent their congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, on Sunday to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
Governor General Mary Simon shared a video statement to YouTube and spoke in English, French and Inuktitut: “This year, we mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Growing up in Northern Quebec, my grandmother would show us pictures of The Queen. Her Majesty was revered in the Arctic, since the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples is considered sacred. For the past 70 years, Her Majesty has been a reassuring and constant figure of compassion and poise. She has seen the evolution of our country first-hand during her many visits to Canada, which she calls her “second home.” Much has changed in the last seven decades. We extended the hand of friendship to nations around the world. We made advancements in medical research, most recently with vaccines. We established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and took part in its work. We saw the first Canadian named governor general, then the first woman and now, the first Indigenous person.
“We should be proud of our diverse and inclusive society.
“We should be proud of what we have accomplished together. In communities from coast to coast to coast, people are marking the jubilee by paying tribute to the only monarch many of us have ever known. All across the country, you will see the unique emblem created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority for this important occasion. Just one of the many commemorations during this important year. I would like to congratulate Her Majesty on the Platinum Jubilee.
“Congratulations and thank you to Her Majesty.
“Thank you for your steadfast dedication towards our collective well-being.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement: “Seventy years ago today, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the Throne and became Queen of Canada. On this anniversary, I join millions of people in Canada and across the Commonwealth in congratulating Her Majesty on her Platinum Jubilee.
“This is the first time since Confederation that Canadians can celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of their Sovereign. This historic milestone invites us to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s lifetime of committed service to Canada, the Commonwealth, and its citizens.
“Over the course of her reign, Her Majesty has been a constant presence in the life of Canadians, offering steadfast leadership in times of change, hardship, or uncertainty. She has shared in some of the proudest and most memorable moments in our recent history – from the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967, to the Montréal Olympics of 1976, to the proclamation of the Constitution Act in 1982. Her Majesty is the patron of more than 600 charities and organizations, including 36 in Canada. To this day, she continues to show our country her devotion and generosity, and to champion our most cherished values of unity, peace, and freedom.
“To mark this very special occasion and celebrate Canadian achievements over the last 70 years, the Government of Canada will host a range of activities throughout the year and support community projects and initiatives across the country. I invite all Canadians to take part in these celebrations – while continuing to follow public health guidelines – and to reflect on our unique bond with the monarchy and the many special moments we have shared with Her Majesty.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our warmest wishes to Her Majesty on the occasion of her 70 years of reign and we thank her for her tireless service and dedication as Sovereign.”
The interim leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, the leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, the leader of the Bloc Quebecois and the interim leader of the Green Party of Canada did not post well-wishes to their social media accounts.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who served from 2006 to 2015 posted to his official Twitter account: “Laureen [Harper, his wife] and I have fond memories of celebrating HM’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and meeting thousands of Canadians who were awarded the Diamond Jubilee medal for their service to Canada. We congratulate HM on her Platinum Jubilee and wish her health and strength for years to come.”
The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, released a statement: “Today, I join people across the country and the Commonwealth to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada.
“As Canada’s longest reigning monarch and the first to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, Her Majesty has exemplified the true meaning of service to the people of Ontario and Canada, with her sense of duty, her dedication, and her commitment to charity.
“Queen Elizabeth II has always held a special place in her heart for Canada, and Canada for her. She has made 22 official visits to our country, including 15 stops in Ontario. During each visit, she has taken the time to honour Ontarians who share her sense of duty and commitment to others. She supports many national organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, The Royal Canadian Legion, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada.
“On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to congratulate Her Majesty on this incredible milestone and her remarkable reign. We extend our best wishes to Her Majesty and the Royal Family.”
The Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan, said: “Today, British Columbians join Canadians and people around the world in celebrating the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne.
“For the past seven decades, Queen Elizabeth has exemplified the meaning of enduring public service and selfless devotion. As Canada’s longest reigning sovereign and the first to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, she has been a constant over the course of change.
“Queen Elizabeth has toured British Columbia seven times, witnessing many important moments in our province’s history, including B.C.’s centennial celebrations in 1971 and the Commonwealth Games in 1994. On each occasion, her warmth and affection was shared with so many people.
“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a momentuous and unprecedented milestone. I invite all British Columbians to reflect on the Queen’s example of grace and dignity.
“On behalf of all British Columbians, I extend to Her Majesty our most sincere and heartfelt best wishes for continued health and happiness.”
The Premier of New Brunswick, Blaine Higgs, appeared in a video to thank The Queen and said: “On behalf of all New Brunswickers, I want to thank Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for her 70 years of dedicated public service to Canada and the other Commonwealth countries.
“It is a truly impressive achievement. The Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated in communities across our province over the course of 2022 and I hope many New Brunswickers will have the chance to share in those celebrations to mark this historic event and show their appreciation and affection for Queen Elizabeth II.”
The Minister of Canadian Heritage, The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, said in a statement: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is an icon, and, for most Canadians, she is the only Sovereign we have ever known. I know this anniversary means a lot to many Canadians. That’s why, today, I am so happy to launch the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. There’s going to be something for everybody, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be able to take part in the celebrations.”
The Government of Canada, in conjunction with its department of Canadian Heritage, announced its plans to commemorate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee throughout the year.
