Government of Ontario/Youtube screen shot
There is a new statue of Queen Elizabeth II at the Ontario Legislature.
The bronze statue was unveiled in a ceremony held on Tuesday.
It depicts Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 on the throne in the Canadian Senate, where she delivered a speech on Canadian unity.
Premier Doug Ford says it is a tribute to her contributions to Ontario’s history and heritage.
“It celebrates her 70 years of dedication and service to the people of Canada, the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth. It will serve as a lasting symbol of our traditions and values, and we hope to educate and inspire visitors to Queen’s Park today and for generations to come,” says Ford.
The late Queen made 22 trips to Canada during her reign, making several trips to Ontario.
Ford called her a leader, a role model, and a source of comfort and stability during very difficult times.
He noted she served as a patron to more than 600 charities and organizations around the world, including 36 in Canada.
The statue was commissioned in 2016 by a group of private volunteers to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Sapphire Jubilee and the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
It features her holding maple leaves that represent the Canadian provinces and territories.
Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell feels the statue is a fitting tribute.
“Designed to last for generations, this particular symbol embodies the continuity of Her Majesty and her commitment to service that lasted multiple generations,” says Dowdeswell.
“I hope that it will encourage everyone who passes by, whether they be Parliamentarians, civil servants, schoolchildren or visitors, to think about that service, about democracy, about reconciliation, about the ways in which this province and this country have changed dramatically during Her Majesty’s reign, and about how the values she upheld can help us bring forth the future that we wish to see.”
