Mr. Speaker, today is the Queen's birthday. Her Majesty is 95. This birthday takes place at a sad time, following the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip.
Her reign began on February 6, 1952. At that time, Louis St. Laurent was prime minister. Since then, the Queen has worked with 12 Canadian prime ministers and has been Canada's Queen for almost half the time since Confederation.
At 18 she joined the armed forces, training as a driver and mechanic during the Second World War. At 21 she said:
My whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.
That is a commitment she has more than fulfilled.
Queen Elizabeth II has supported Canada through some watershed moments in our country's history and has established herself as a protector of our traditions.
Today, I know the House and the country join with me in wishing Her Majesty the Queen all health and strength on her birthday.
Long live the Queen. God save the Queen.