Address by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on the Occasion of a Dinner in Honour of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh
October 13, 2002
Gatineau, Québec
As you have seen and heard throughout your Golden Jubilee Tour, Canadians have been truly delighted to renew their profound bond of affection with you. But I must confess tonight that I want to begin tonight by presuming on our friendship with one of my favourite Royal stories.
Your Majesty will remember that one of the all time highlights of the relationship between Canada and the Royal Family came in 1939. With the visit of your father, the inspirational King George the 6th, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother -- a very great lady who we miss terribly.
Their travels took them to Montreal. Where they enjoyed the singular company of the Mayor of Montréal, Camilien Houde. At a lunch the Queen Mother noticed that the Mayor was not wearing his chain of office. She asked him why. And he said that he only wore it for special occasions. Well, Your Majesty, as I look at the audience with us I think it is safe to say that all of us think that tonight is a very, very special occasion. And if I had a chain I would be wearing it.
I must also admit my envy for Your Majesty. The other night at the gala in Toronto I learned that you have received a gift from Canadians that I could only dream about. And the next time I see David Broadfoot I am going to tell him that I want a fibre glass lobster, too.
Ladies and gentlemen, common history and shared values have made Canada and the United Kingdom strong allies and close partners. We have grown together, worked together and, when the cause of freedom and humanity have demanded it, we have fought and died together. But none of the ties that connect us are more vital than the Royal Family and the Commonwealth.
On your twenty-first birthday, Your Majesty, you told the Commonwealth: "If we all go forward together with unwavering faith, a high courage and a quiet heart we shall be able to make of this ancient Commonwealth, which we all love so dearly an even grander thing: more free, more prosperous, more happy and a more powerful influence for good in the world."
And the Commonwealth has come a long way under your reign.
From a group of countries bound by history, it has grown into a modern international association. It has become a place where North and South, rich and poor, meet as equals. It has supported democratic development, human rights, racial equality. And it is dedicated to reducing the disparities of wealth in the world.
The Commonwealth helped to overturn apartheid. It has helped to restore democracy to Nigeria. And it has spoken out for tolerance and democracy in Zimbabwe. The Commonwealth nations of Africa have been major driving forces behind the New Partnership for Africa Development. To help Africans lift themselves out of poverty and into a brighter future. Indeed, I am proud of Canada’s leadership, with the government of the United Kingdom, in helping build the G8 consensus in support of the NEPAD.
His Royal Highness has been a strong advocate for environmental causes throughout the Commonwealth.
And I would like to express public appreciation tonight for the recent support he expressed for our plan to create new national parks and marine areas. We will continue to move forward with that agenda.
Your Majesty, you have undertaken an unprecedented series of tours throughout the Commonwealth during her fifty years on the Throne. You have used your position to help knit the countries and the peoples of the Commonwealth more closely together.
Fifty-five years ago, a 21 year old young woman told a meeting of the Commonwealth: "I declare before you that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service." Tonight, we are here to pay tribute to that same woman for living up to that commitment in every respect.
Your Majesty, your Golden Jubilee Tour has been all too short. But Canadians will never forget it. We hope you have fully felt our gratitude, respect and affection. And we look forward to seeing you again before too long.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise and join me in a toast: To the Queen.
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