February 9, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued this statement on the news that
Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret had passed away:
"I was very saddened to learn that Her Royal Highness had passed
away. Princess Margaret was well-known to Canadians and admired for her
tireless advocacy on behalf of youth, children and the care of the sick.
Indeed, one of her lasting legacies in Canada is the Princess Margaret
Hospital in Toronto, one the leading centres of cancer research in the world.
Her Royal Highness also favoured Canadians often with her company, paying
us 11 visits during which she travelled to every region of Canada. I had the
great privilege of meeting her and was deeply impressed by her grace, style
and sense of compassion.
The news is doubly sad for the Royal Family coming the very week that
we marked the Queen’s Golden Jubilee accession to the throne. Aline joins
me in extending our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, to
the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
