Manitoba leaders remember Queen Elizabeth II

In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Manitoba politicians and leaders are speaking out, remembering the monarch.

“I was saddened to learn today of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. In 70 years as Queen, Her Majesty developed a special relationship with our province and with Manitobans,” said Premier Heather Stefanson.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman adding, “Today, Winnipeggers are in mourning. With our fellow Manitobans, Canadians, people of the Commonwealth, and those who admired her all around the world, we are grieving the only monarch most of us have ever known, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is the end of an era; but, more than that, it is a time when we remember the special dignity, unfailing kindness, and spirit of quiet encouragement which The Queen personified throughout her long and illustrious reign.”

During her reign, the Queen visited Manitoba on six occasions, between 1951 and 2010.

In that time, she celebrated Manitoba’s centenary and toured many of the province’s cities, including Winnipeg, Churchill, Brandon, Beausejour, Norway House, Carman, Gillam, Flin Flon, Swan River, The Pas, Portage la Prairie, Oakville, Dugald and Dauphin.


READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, dies at 96


“Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth) first won Winnipeggers’ hearts when she and Prince Philip visited in 1951; newspaper reports of the day remarked on the adoration and cheering crowds which greeted her, wherever she went,” added Bowman.

“Our relationship with The Queen grew deeper and stronger over the years, as she visited to mark Manitoba’s Centennial, re-dedicate the restored and newly-brilliant Golden Boy, and unveil the cornerstone of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Her grant of Royal designation to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre likewise lifted up our city’s cultural achievements for the world to see: one more precious connection, with a monarch who truly cared.

“Few of us will ever forget where we were, or what we were doing, when we heard the sad news of Her Majesty’s passing. For Queen Elizabeth has meant so much, to so many, for so long, it is difficult to imagine life without her. In her famous speech on the occasion of her 21st birthday, she promised that ‘my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service’, and she kept this promise with perfect fidelity.”

A sentiment echoed by Manitoba’s Lieutenant Governor, Janice C. Filmon. Lieutenant governors in Canada act as “the highest ranking officers of their province.”

Queen Elizabeth II and her relatives have taken part in a number of events and regiments over the years, and some of her family members even have property in Canada.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) said “they grieve the loss of Her Majesty” and look forward to working with King Charles moving forward.

Deputy Grand Chief Cornell McLean saying, “We are saddened to hear the news from Buckingham Palace regarding the death of Her Majesty the Queen. First Nations people have a special nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown.

“We are two sovereign nations who come together to honour the treaties between us, and we look forward to working with the new King as treaty partners. We join many others across our Treaty lands and traditional territories in sharing condolences about Her Majesty’s death. The Royal Family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.”

AFN Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse added the Queen “served her country with distinction, wisdom, consistency, and honour in times of peace and in times of war.”

“As sovereign nations, First Nations in the Treaty territories located in Manitoba greatly value the sacred Treaty relationship with the British Crown. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to His Majesty the King as he assumes his responsibilities as Monarch, including nurturing the Treaty relationship with First Nations.”

Premier Stefanson added, “as a young woman, Her Majesty pledged to devote her whole life to service and to show ‘an unwavering faith, a high courage, and a quiet heart.’ The Queen accomplished this and so much more.”

Manitobans will be able to share memories of Her Majesty with Canadians and the Royal Family through a virtual book on the provincial Lieutenant-Governor’s website.

“On behalf of Winnipeg City Council and countless citizens in our community, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the new King, and all the members of the Royal Family. Our prayers are with you in this difficult moment because, each in our own way, we have been deeply touched by Her Majesty’s life, work, and example. With her passing, many of us also feel that we are losing a beloved member of our own family, and an important part of our life. Without question, her voice – the same quiet, steady voice that offered us words of encouragement and hope each holiday season – will live in our hearts forever,” stated Bowman.

Premier Stefanson also concluded her statement saying, “on behalf of all Manitobans, I extend our sympathies to His Majesty King Charles III and the entire Royal Family. May Her Majesty rest in peace. Long live the King.”

Queen Elizabeth II was the most-travelled monarch in history, visiting Canada on more than 22 different occasions. Her last trip to this country was in 2010.

-With files from HanaMae Nassar

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