Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago today, Elizabeth II acceded to the British throne. Very few heads of state have been in place for so long and have been a witness to so many historical events. The Bloc Quebecois would therefore like to take the opportunity to salute the Queen and Prince Philip, who are today celebrating the golden jubilee of her accession to the throne.
Like the great majority of Quebecers, the members of the Bloc Quebecois do not feel that they come under the British crown and do not consider themselves its subjects. Certain episodes in the history of the francophones of America, such as the deportation of the Acadians, still rankle.
As for the British people, we want them to know that the Bloc Quebecois greets them in fraternal friendship and hopes they will have a wonderful and joyous celebration.
The respect and sometimes profound attachment felt by certain Canadians to the crown is owed recognition. Other peoples and other individuals throughout the world have attachments as well to the British crown and to the monarch.
To all those for whom this event holds significance, the Bloc Quebecois wishes a joyous celebration.