May 18, 2005
Regina, Saskatchewan

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to welcome Your Majesty and Your Highness to Canada`s western heartland for the centenary of the Provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

It is fitting that this ceremony of welcome takes place here at the magnificent Legislative Building, which speaks so eloquently to the spirit of the times, 100 years ago, when Saskatchewan joined Confederation and became a province of Canada.

The grandeur of this building declares confidence and strength of character. In the echoes of its halls you hear the voices of the early builders of this province -- tough, practical people who dared to dream; stubborn and proud people, conscious of their families’ needs, but ready to lend a hand and look out for one another.

A century ago, the Canadian West was the site of one of this continent’s largest migrations. People arrived from the far reaches of the globe – often with little more than the clothes on their backs and the name of Canada on their lips. Many settled on the Prairies.

They didn’t have a lot. But they had something no one could take from them -- a belief that, if given an opportunity, they could build for themselves a better life. A freer life. A more prosperous and peaceful life.

The optimism of the people who settled here a century ago continues to this day.

The history of Saskatchewan is a story of compassion and struggle, ingenuity and achievement. It is a story of First Nations and the Métis Nation whose forefathers shared this bountiful land, which fed the new settlers and gave them hope. A century later, as this province and its neighbour Alberta stand at the dawn of second century in Confederation, that same spirit of compassion and respect, of freedom and perseverance, endures.

Those who dare to dream still look up at the stars at night; their eyes sweep along an endless Prairie sky. And they know that this is their home.

To commemorate this 2005 Royal Visit to Canada, the Government of Canada will make a gift donation, in Your Majesty’s name, to the Memory Project -- an initiative of the Dominion Institute.

This Project engages young people in capturing the stories of Canada’s war veterans. In doing so, it links the generations in a greater understanding and knowledge of the Canadian experience of valour, sacrifice and duty.

This being the 60th anniversary of V-E Day and the Year of the Veteran in Canada, Canadians of all ages are reminded again of the heroic deeds of the men and women – from all parts of Canada, from all walks of life – who gave so much for us.

We owe our freedom to them. Our solemn obligation is to ensure that their memory – as well as their memories – live on, forever. The Memory Project is doing just that.

Your Majesty,

For more than half the life of the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, you have been our Queen. You have borne witness to the changes, the challenges, the achievements of Canadians. You are part of that history, part of us. Through times of great sadness and great joy, you have been with us. Your affection for and dedication to our country has never wavered.

Now, on this centenary occasion, we give to you, as always, our loyalty, our deep affection – and a most heartfelt welcome to this wonderful part of Canada.