Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially paid tribute Thursday morning, in the Commons, to “our queen”, “the only sovereign that the majority of us have known”.
“Many words have been used to describe it: duty, service, dedication, stability,” he said. All of us here know that service requires sacrifice. The queen did it with grace. »
Recalling that he had had the chance to meet Queen Elizabeth II for the first time when he was only a little boy, alongside his father in 1977, Mr. Trudeau again spoke of the sovereign as one of his “favorite people in the world”.
He also recalled that during her 70 years of reign, the queen had been major events in the history of Canada, such as the 100th anniversary of the federation, in 1967, or the patriation of the Constitution, in 1982.
“At her place” and in French
“Her Majesty felt at home in Canada, she came to Canada more often than to any other country,” said the Prime Minister. In 1964, she said she was glad to know that there was a place in our Commonwealth where she was expected to speak French officially. »
Mr. Trudeau also praised the involvement of the new King Charles III, particularly in matters of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the environment, and he officially offered the condolences of all Canadians to the royal family.
“I hope that next Monday, Canadians from coast to coast can take a few moments to reflect on Her Majesty’s incomparable legacy, and what she best represented. »
The Speaker of the House had reminded MPs of their summer recess to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II and her 70-year reign, following her death in Scotland last Thursday.
After Prime Minister Trudeau, new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre addresses MPs for the first time in his new role. The Prime Minister began his speech Thursday morning by congratulating Mr. Poilievre on his victory on Saturday.
New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet were also scheduled to speak on Thursday. The other deputies will then have their turn, and depending on the number of elected officials who wish to stand, the procedures could continue on Friday morning.
The opening of the autumn parliamentary session, which was to take place next Monday, September 19, the same day as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, has therefore been postponed by one day, i.e. to Tuesday, September 20 .