DAN CEARNS, The Standard
DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: A number of political figures at every level of government in Canada are expressing their condolences following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The longest reigning monarch died on Thursday, September 8th, at the age of 96.
During a brief press conference, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the Queen as “thoughtful, curious, helpful, and funny,” and in a tweet, he stated, “her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
Interim Conservative Party of Canada leader Candice Bergen spoke about how the Queen’s passing impacts Canada in a statement.
“On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, I want to express our deepest condolences to the Royal family. 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. 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. She was with us to open the St. Lawrence Seaway. She presided over our centennial celebrations. Later, she even opened the Olympic Games in Montreal.”
In his own statement, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the Queen “taught us the true meaning of selfless service and was respected and admired for her sense of duty and commitment to charity.” “While I express my sincere condolences to King Charles III, I also congratulate His Majesty on his ascension to the throne of the United Kingdom and wish him great success in continuing his mother’s legacy,” the Premier’s statement added.
The loss of the Queen is also being felt locally. Durham MP Erin O’Toole posted a video on social media shortly after news broke about the Queen’s death.
“For 70 years, she stood as an example of service to country, service above self,” Mr. O’Toole said in the video. “The Queen was the bedrock upon which the institutions of Canada are built, and our principles of peace, order and good government are maintained. Today, we send our sympathies to the Royal family, to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. We can find solace in the example Queen Elizabeth provided.”
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP Jamie Schmale also provided his condolences online.
“On behalf of the constituency of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the members of the Royal Family and people of the Commonwealth. Constituents in the riding are invited to visit my office at 68 McLaughlin Road in Lindsay in order to sign our Book of Condolence as a respectful record of our collective grief and reverence,” his post read.
At a meeting on Monday, September 12th, Scugog Mayor Bobbie Drew talked about the Queen’s legacy.
“She was a steadfast presence, a beacon of leadership and comfort, even in the most difficult or challenging times. Flags at all Township facilities have been lowered in her Majesty’s honour, and a book of condolences is available for residents to sign at our Municipal office.”
At a special council meeting, councillors also voted to have Clerk Becky Jamieson “convey an official letter of condolences to the Royal Family, Britain, and the Commonwealth for our collective loss of the Queen by way of the Governor General of Canada” on behalf of the Township and Scugog council.