Trudeau says Queen Elizabeth II served Canada with 'strength and wisdom'

'In a complicated world, her steady, grace, and resolve, brought comfort and strength to us all,' said Justin Trudeau, her 12th Canadian prime minister

Nationalpost.com
Sept. 9, 2022

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mourned the Queen’s passing Thursday, saying she had been a remarkable servant to Canada as the country emerged into its modern self.

“She served us all with strength and wisdom for 70 years, as we grew into the diverse, optimistic, responsible, ambitious and extraordinary country we are today.”

Trudeau, speaking outside of a cabinet retreat in Vancouver said he was struggling to believe that his last sit down with Queen Elizabeth would be his last ever. He called the monarch “ one of his “favourite people in the world.”

The Queen’s death was announced around 1:30 p.m. Ottawa time. She was Canada’s longest-serving monarch and has been the country’s Queen for nearly half of the country’s existence.

Trudeau, her 12th prime minister, said he deeply enjoyed the conversations he had with her. He said she was an important part of the country’s fabric.

“In a complicated world, her steady, grace, and resolve, brought comfort and strength to us all.”

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Governor General Mary Simon also expressed grief and said it was a profound honour to have met the Queen when she was appointed to be her representative.

“When I was growing up, my grandmother revered The Queen, as did so many in the Arctic. She would tell us stories about Her Majesty, about her role and her commitment,” she said. “Her Majesty’s warm welcome when we spent time with her earlier this year was a profound moment in our lives and a memory we will cherish forever.

Interim Conservative leader, Candice Bergen issued a statement on the Queen’s passing as well noting she had been integral to the country’s growth.

“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,” she said in a statement. “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.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed particular condolences to her family.

“Queen Elizabeth II lived a life of history and duty. She was also a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. My thoughts today are for her family who have lost a pillar of strength in their lives,” he said on Twitter.

Former prime ministers were also quick to offer their condolences, former prime minister Stephen Harper said she had a long relationship with Canada.

“She loved Canada with all her heart and was truly one of us. Canadians returned her feelings with pride and very real affection.”

There was also an outpouring of grief from provincial leaders. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the Queen’s reign “taught us the true meaning of selfless service.”

Ford also offered condolences to King Charles and congratulations on his ascension to the throne. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney also offered up his thanks for the Queen’s long service.

“In an ever-changing world, she was for us a bedrock of stability and continuity, a ceaselessly gracious and dignified presence in our lives,” Kenney said.

In a televised statement Thursday evening, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, the British monarch’s representative in Canada, said that the late Queen was fond of Canada and considered it to be her “second home.”

“Her Majesty cared about people, about our well-being. This was clear every time we spoke. She cared about Canada, and all the unique stories that make up our beautiful country,” Simon said at Rideau Hall, her official residence in Ottawa.