Photo by Bill Turnbull, supplied by the South Peace Regional Archives SPRA 0664.03.07.16

By Curtis Galbraith

Queen Elizabeth II

Local and provincial leaders issue statements on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Sep 8, 2022 | 5:22 PM

A statement from Grande Prairie City Hall on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II calls her death “a momentous day in history.”

The Queen died Thursday, September 8 at the age of 96. She was Britain’s longest-serving monarch having held the role for over 70 years.

The city has issued the following statement from Mayor Jackie Clayton and Chief Administrative Officer Robert Nicolay:

_{“Today marks a momentous day in history, with the passing of the longest reigning sovereign in Canada’s modern era. For most of us, Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch we have ever known in Canada and she has been a common figure in our lives since we were school children. From the young age of 25, she reigned with a steadfast commitment and dedication that will be remembered across the nation.}

_{“This service and dedication were felt right here in Grande Prairie during her visit in August 1978, an important moment in our local history as she attended the sod turning of her namesake, the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. The facility continues to provide medical services today for individuals and families around the Peace Region.}

_{“We recognize the significance of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and passing and encourage residents to recall her memory and express their grief in one of the many collective ceremonies or commemorations available.”}

Flags at all city facilities will fly at half mast and any portraits of the queen in city facilities will be draped in black.

County of Grande Prairie Reeve Leanne Beaupre expressed her sincere condolences through an issued statement on the Queen’s passing:

_{“Our thoughts are with the Royal Family, Canadians and all members of the Commonwealth as we come together in our shared grief upon the passing of Canada’s longest reigning sovereign,” says Reeve Beaupre. “During this period of great mourning, may we be comforted as we reflect on her extensive legacy of service to Canada and the world.”}

_{“Her Majesty’s dedication and steadfast leadership during her 70 years on the throne has been an example to us all. May her unwavering commitment to public service continue to inspire others for generations to come.}

_{“Flags have been lowered to half-mast at all County of Grande Prairie facilities for the mourning period of 10 days and portraits of the Queen will be draped in black. Flags will be at full mast for one day to mark the accession day of the King.”}

Alberta Lieutenant-Governor Salma Lakhani, the monarch’s representative in Alberta, issued the following statement:

_{“My husband, Zaheer, and I join with our fellow Albertans and all Canadians in mourning the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and in remembering everything that the Queen meant to our nation.}

_{“Her late Majesty was a part of our shared identity as Canadians. Through the decades, the Queen’s presence was woven into the very fabric of our society. Her late Majesty reigned with grace, dignity and compassion. She joined Canadians in our triumphs, shared in our grief and steeled our resolve in times of trial. Above all, the Queen was an ever-present symbol of the valued principles, attitudes and strengths we share as Canadians and as members of the Commonwealth family.}

_{“Albertans were privileged to welcome Her late Majesty to our beautiful province on numerous occasions over the years. We will treasure The Queen’s legacy in Alberta and will strive to honour the principles of service and citizenship that were hallmarks of Her late Majesty’s long and glorious reign.}

_{“On behalf of all Albertans, I extend deepest sympathy to His Majesty King Charles and all members of the Royal Family. God Save The King and may the wonderful traditions of the Crown in Canada continue to flourish during his reign.”}

Premier Jason Kenney also released a statement:

_{“I join Albertans, Canadians and the peoples of the Commonwealth in deepest grief and sorrow at the death of Her late Majesty the Queen.}

_{“The long and glorious reign of Canada’s Sovereign has ended, and with it what Sir Winston Churchill called the second Elizabethan Age.}

_{“For almost all of us, she is the only Canadian Monarch we have ever known. In an ever-changing world, she was for us a bedrock of stability and continuity, a ceaselessly gracious and dignified presence in our lives.}

_{“Her late Majesty gave her whole life in service to her people and to the institutions that are the safeguards of our parliamentary democracy and liberties. Continuing her public duties into the seventh decade of her reign and her 96th year, it seemed like she was an eternal presence in our lives. And so today’s sad news is for me and for many a terrible shock, as something permanent in our lives has given way.}

_{“On her many visits to Alberta, Her late Majesty demonstrated a deep affection for this place and its people. Her name will live on forever here, on schools and streets, roadways and buildings, and indeed Mount Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Elizabeth Range of our majestic Rocky Mountains.}

_{“The late Queen was a woman who held a quiet but deep Christian faith. And so I join with countless people here and around the world in praying for the repose of her soul and the consolation of the Royal Family. She would have meditated many times on the parable of the talents, so I hope that she will finally hear the words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’}

_{“Thank you, Your Majesty.}

_{“And may God save The King.”}