Queen Elizabeth II visited Grande Prairie in August of 1978 for the sod turning at the QE II hospital. Photo by Bill Turnbull, supplied by the South Peace Regional Archives SPRA 0664.03.07.16

By Curtis Galbraith

Queen Elizabeth II

“It is with great sadness that we heard the news.” Warkentin on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Sep 9, 2022 | 6:00 AM

The MP for Grande Prairie-Mackenzie is sending condolences to the Royal Family after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Chris Warkentin says it was a shock to hear the news.

‘We knew that it could come at any point in time but, in some ways, we’ve thought of this queen as immortal, the ability to just live on and on.”

“She’s been the queen for the majority of most Canadians’ lives and to have her pass and for things to change on this front is shocking. It’s with great sadness that we heard the news. “

Warkentin says Elizabeth gave her entire life to serve the people of Canada and the Commonwealth.

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“With just incredible grace and dignity and integrity. I think most Canadians are thankful for the time that she served in this role.”

Warkentin says he never got to meet the queen, something he regrets.

“I’ve known many people who have had the opportunity to meet with her, to sit with her, to chat with her and what was remarkable was every single person who ever did often remarked at how knowledgeable she was, how she used wit to just calm the people that were visiting.

Warkentin says it will take some time for Canadians to get used to having King Charles III.

“The change is something that won’t come easy. I believe that there was a fondness and a love for the queen (and it) will take some time for Canadians to fully comprehend the loss, never mind the replacement.”

Warkentin says it will be difficult to be the monarch his mother was.