There are few people in the world who are as respected or admired as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On September 9, Her Majesty surpassed Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning sovereign in Canada鈥檚 modern era.
鈥淏ut this day is less about longevity, then about all that Her Majesty has accomplished in her time as our Queen,鈥 said Governor General David Johnston.
鈥淗er Majesty is part of our country鈥檚 history,鈥 said Johnston. 鈥淎s our Queen, she has conducted 22 royal tours of Canada, and has visited communities in all provinces and territories. She has been here to mark important events such as our centennial, the opening of the Montr茅al Olympics, the signing of our Canadian Constitution into law and Canada Day. She is colonel-in-chief of many units in the Canadian Armed Forces, has always addressed our people in both official languages, and has shown a keen and deep interest in our vibrant society.鈥
Since the signing of the Magna Carta, the Crown has been an unbroken and stable presence in Canada, he said. 鈥淲ith every visit, Her Majesty reminds us of the importance of the Crown in our constitutional monarchy.
鈥淒uring these past 63 years, the Queen has inspired so many, myself included, with her poise and compassion, and with her devotion to service,鈥 Johnston said.
鈥淥n behalf of all Canadians, I thank Her Majesty The Queen for her love of and dedication to our country,鈥 he said. 鈥淟ong may she reign.鈥