Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On this the first day of sitting I, too, would like to pay my respects to the milestone of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. I have an affection and affinity for the monarchy, through my ancestry on my father’s side. My father, Robert Ostler, immigrated to Canada in 1947 after seven years in the British Army during the Second World War.
I grew up in a home with strong British ties and traditions. I remember as a child that no gifts were opened on Christmas Day until our family gathered in front of the black and white TV to hear the Christmas address from Queen Elizabeth. This was right up there with the reading of the Christmas Story from the Scriptures and then we could begin to partake in our Christmas Day activities.
Many, over the years, have questioned and even challenged the relevance of the monarchy. In a day and age of the rise and fall of governments and leaders around the world, indeed even the composition of the Commonwealth, the monarchy, particularly Queen Elizabeth, has remained a leader committed to many of the ideals and values held in high regard by those who founded this country and the people who have also come to call Canada home. She has remained steadfast to her commitment that she took on at the young age of 26 years. I don’t think, monarchist or not, anyone can deny the role model our Queen has been in her service to God, country and, indeed, the Commonwealth.
On this year of celebration of this amazing milestone of her Diamond Jubilee of her accession to the throne of England, can we collectively say in our Chamber today, God bless and save the Queen, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen of Canada.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
