The people of Canada will be celebrating 150 years of Confederation later this year, and the first message of congratulations has already been sent out- in two languages.
The Queen sends congratulations to the people of Canada in the 150th anniversary year of Confederation. Full text > https://t.co/YKWIQCM17o pic.twitter.com/1BkaaQ1S9q
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 1, 2017
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In a pre-recorded message, delivered in English and French, the Queen of Canada has sent her warmest wishes to the North American nation, which prepares to mark its sesquicentennial on 1 July.
The message praises the country’s remarkable development and compassionate nature.
Speaking in fluent French, Her Majesty said, ‘’Fifty years ago, on the eve of the centennial celebrations, I urged Canadians to continue to set an example by embracing the values of equality, freedom and inclusion.
‘’Today, these values remain rooted in the Canadian experience. You still form a young country, but you already have the maturity to follow your passions.
‘’Over the next year, you will have the opportunity to remind the world of the importance of preserving these values and passing them on to future generations.’’
The Queen switched back to English to say, ‘’On this eve of national celebrations, my family and I are with you in spirit.
‘’We pray that God will bless Canada and that, over the next 150 years, Canadians will continue to build a better country and a better world.
As you prepare to mark this important milestone in your country’s history, I send my warmest good wishes to you all.’’
The Canadian Confederation was realised after the British North America Act in 1867, which created the Dominion of Canada and united Upper and Lower Canada (Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Since then, Canada has been a constitutional monarchy.
Throughout her reign, the Queen has made 22 royal tours to Canada. Her trips have included every Canadian province and territory, a feat not matched by too many people.
Last year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the country in what marked the first and second overseas tour for Princess Charlotte and Prince George respectively.
Although no official visit to mark this year’s celebrations has been confirmed yet, there has already been some talk of a possible royal participation.
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I am very disappointed that I never saw this when it first came out, obviously in June! Never saw this on TV, why was the Queen’s message not broadcast all over Canadian TV!!!
This is fantastic. I saw here when she came to Windsor, Ontario. Apparently she said to someone, “I didn’t know Windsor was so big.” Driving down the main street of Windsor the Detroit skyline is in the background and it can look as if it is a part of the much smaller Canadian city. That she said this has been a bit of lore passed around by Windsor residents since. I have no idea it it’s true. That visit was in the late ’70s or very early ’80s.