April 21, 1926 – September 8, 2022
It is with immense sadness that I have learned of the death of our beloved Queen of Canada, Elizabeth the Second. On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty The King as we collectively wish him strength and courage in fulfilling the duties of the Crown.
Her Majesty dutifully served as Canada’s Sovereign for over 70 years, always with grace, dignity, and a genuine understanding and appreciation of this country and its people.
Even before her accession to the Throne in 1952, the young Princess Elizabeth had committed herself to public service, proclaiming on her 21st birthday: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service….” She reaffirmed this vow on the eve of her Coronation in 1953, saying: “I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart, I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”
We are fortunate that Her Majesty enjoyed a long and fruitful life. In keeping with her words all those years ago, she abided by her people. In return, she received the lasting respect and affection of Canadians.
It is widely acknowledged that Elizabeth the Second had a unique relationship with Canada, based on a deep attachment to the country she first travelled to as Princess Elizabeth in 1951, representing her ailing father King George the Sixth. During her lifetime, she made 23 tours of Canada, more than of any other country in the world. She often stated that she thought of Canada as her second home, a place where she felt totally at ease.
On 14 of those tours, Her Majesty came to Ontario, where she participated in many seminal events in the life of Canada and our province. These included the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, Canada’s centennial celebrations in 1967, the 300th anniversary of Kingston in 1973, and the patriation of Canada’s constitution in 1982. More recently, we welcomed Her Majesty in 2002 in celebration of her Golden Jubilee, and again in 2010 as we heralded technology and innovation in Ontario.
During her time here, she met as many Canadians as possible in their own communities, undoubtedly taking pride in the remarkable growth this country has experienced during her reign. Canada and Ontario have become important global contributors in almost all fields of endeavour. We have partnered with Her Majesty’s beloved Commonwealth of Nations and others, always remaining open to new people and new ideas.
Despite the fast pace and the sometimes tumultuous social change that often characterized this second Elizabethan era, Her Majesty remained a beacon of enduring good and a symbol of constancy. Indeed, most Canadians have known no other monarch during their lifetime.
In mourning her death, we honour a Sovereign who kept faith with her people. We pay homage to the important institution that is the Crown in Canada.
May God bless Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.
Ontario Book of Condolences
As a memorial to The Queen, the public is invited to sign books of condolence made available at the Legislative Building, Queen’s Park from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning Friday, September 9, 2022. For information about entering the Legislative Building, visit the Plan Your Visit page.
If you would like to sign the online Book of Condolences, please visit Commemoration for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - Canada.ca.