Mr. Speaker, Victoria Day next Monday will mark the official 80th birthday of our sovereign, Queen Elizabeth. For more than half a century, Canadians have been blessed with a monarch of exceptional grace and the entire Commonwealth has been united by her strong and dignified presence.
Queen Elizabeth's wisdom has guided two generations of subjects of all races and diverse backgrounds. Her close links to this country date back to her first visit to Canada, when she was still a princess, and have been reinforced by many subsequent royal tours.
Our Queen has reigned during five decades of worldwide turbulence and instability, but she herself has been a rock of stability and has brought her office into the 21st century as a modern, vital institution.
Fifty-four years after her ascension to the throne, Her Majesty has more support than ever from her subjects in Canada, in all her realms and around the world.
We salute our sovereign on this great anniversary. May her reign continue for many years to come. God save the Queen.