18 May 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the occasion of Victoria Day:
“As Canadians celebrate Victoria Day, the day we mark the birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, I join with all Canadians in extending her our most sincere and heart-felt best wishes for continued health and happiness.
“In just a few years, we will take immense pride in celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of her reign as Queen of Canada. I am reminded of a statement made by Her Majesty in Vancouver, British Columbia during her 2002 Golden Jubilee visit:
‘It is a privilege to serve you as Queen of Canada to the best of my ability, to play my part in the Canadian identity, to uphold Canadian traditions and heritage, to recognize Canadian excellence and achievement, and to seek to give a sense of community in these exciting ever-changing times in which we are fortunate enough to live.’
“For more than 57 years, Her Majesty has carried out her important duties as Queen with grace, dignity and a tremendous affection for Canada.”
