"Canadians have, by their own endeavours, built a country and society which is widely admired across the world. I am fortunate to have been witness to many of the developments and accomplishments of modern Canada. As Queen of Canada for nearly six decades, my pride in this country remains undimmed."
Here, you can read Canada’s Governor General and Prime Minister’s official statements as they join with Canadians in honouring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and affirm Canada’s loyalty to the new King.
The Government of Canada is marking the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a 10-day period of mourning and a national commemorative ceremony. During this period, the flags on all Government of Canada buildings and establishments in Canada and abroad will be flown at half-mast. The national half-masting will be effective from the day of the passing until sunset on the day of the funeral, with the exception of the day on which the new Monarch is proclaimed. You can find more information here.
Over the course of a reign that has spanned more than seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II witnessed Canada's growth and participated in its development. Her Majesty has held a unique and enduring relationship with Canadians and our country through frequent visits, retaining close ties to our fundamental institutions and remaining current with the progress of Canada as a diverse modern nation.
Her presence at key moments in our history demonstrates her dedication and personal commitment as Queen of Canada.
By the numbers
Canada is the Commonwealth country most often visited by Her Majesty, with 22 official tours (as Queen).
Her Majesty has made a point of visiting every Canadian province and territory. Her last tour of the country was in 2010.
Since her accession to the Throne in 1952, Her Majesty has known 12 Canadian prime ministers and 13 governors general.
The Queen has a privileged relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces, well beyond her constitutional role as head of the Canadian military. She served as Colonel-in-Chief, Captain General and Air Commodore-in-Chief for 17 regiments and units across Canada.
A keen equestrian, Her Majesty has been gifted many horses bred and trained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), including one of her most beloved horses, Burmese.
Through the patronage of more than 15 Canadian organizations and through her own example, Her Majesty has championed volunteerism, service and duty.
Over the years
From her first visit to Canada as Princess Elizabeth in 1951, at the age of 25, she cultivated an attachment to the country and an affection for Canadians. She was accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, for this 33-day national tour.
She was the first Canadian monarch to open Parliament and deliver a Speech from the Throne in 1957.
Her Majesty opened the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 with Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower attending.
The National Flag of Canada, a new symbol of Canadian unity, was proclaimed by Her Majesty on February 15, 1965.
She marked Canada’s centennial with a visit to Expo 67 in Montréal and participated in the celebrations held in Ottawa.
Her Majesty established the Order of Canada and the broader Canadian honours system in 1967. Over the last 50 years, these honours have been granted to thousands of exceptional Canadians for their outstanding contributions to our country.
The XXI Summer Olympic Games held in Montréal in 1976 were declared opened by Her Majesty.
In 1982, Her Majesty participated in the patriation ceremony of the Constitution and proclaimed Canada's new Constitution Act, which included the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Her Majesty celebrated the 125th Anniversary of Confederation with Canadians in the National Capital Region in 1992.
In 2002, while visiting the new territory of Nunavut, Her Majesty was warmly greeted by the community. She has always maintained a warm, personal relationship with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Several Indigenous groups have looked to her as a leader that they respect and welcome into their communities.
Her Majesty rededicated the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France at a ceremony commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2007.
In 2012, to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Queen was appointed Commissioner in Chief of the RCMP, an appointment that prompted a special request from the Queen for Mounties to replace her Queen's Life Guard at Buckingham Palace for 24 hours. This was the first time ever that the Queen was guarded by a non-British, non-military force.
