Prime Minister Trudeau says, “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I express our heartfelt condolences to members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time.” He notes that Queen Elizabeth II was Canada’s Queen for almost half of its existence. He says she had an obvious deep and abiding love and affection for Canadians. In a statement, the Prime Minister says, “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.
Governor General Mary Simon says Her Majesty The Queen was, in equal measures, compassionate, dedicated, humble, engaged and wise. She believed in service to her people above all, and inspired so many with her dedication to the Crown. In a statement, Simon says when she was growing up, her grandmother revered The Queen, as did so many in the Arctic, and she would tell the family stories about Her Majesty, about her role and her commitment. The Governor General considers her time spent with The Queen earlier this year as a profound moment in her life and her husband’s life, which they will cherish together. “Her reign encompassed the mandates of 12 Canadian prime ministers and 13 governors general. On 22 occasions, she undertook official visits to Canada, where she professed her love for our country again and again. She was a steadfast presence during some of the most tumultuous times of our lives, and most recently gave comfort to so many during the pandemic. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer deepest condolences to the members of the Royal Family, who grieve the loss of a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.”
Saskatchewan’s Premier, Scott Moe, issued a statement following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. He says he was deeply saddened to learn of her death – the only monarch most of us have ever known. He notes that she was Queen during the term of 12 Canadian Prime Ministers and 9 Saskatchewan Premiers. “Today, we express both our condolences and our loyalty to the Crown and to our new Monarch, His Majesty, King Charles.” 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.
The Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan says the world has lost a remarkable individual. Russ Merasty says, “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. He also noted, “Queen Elizabeth II 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.”
NDP Leader Carla Beck calls Queen Elizabeth the Second a revered monarch who presided over our province for nearly three-quarters of a century. She notes that when the Queen was just 21 years old, she said, “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, will be dedicated to your service.” Beck considers her a remarkable leader for Canada and the commonwealth, and says she will be missed by all.
Saskatoon’s Mayor says Queen Elizabeth will be remembered by her steady and caring devotion to public service as the longest reigning monarch in the British Commonwealth and head of state for Canada for more than 70 years. Charlie Clark says the City’s flags are at half-mast right now in remembrance of the victims of the attacks that occurred at the communities of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, and they are being lowered one day for each life lost. Once His Majesty’s Accession is proclaimed, they will be raised and then lowered again until the day of her funeral service. Afterwards, they will remain at half-mast until each life lost from the stabbing attacks has been acknowledged. If you would like to express condolences to the Queen’s family, a condolence book will be available at City Hall as of Monday.
