Ottawa – Today marks the beginning of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. On this day, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first Canadian and British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, a remarkable milestone of seventy years of service to Canada and to the Commonwealth.

Since her accession to the Throne on February 6, 1952, Her Majesty has completed twenty-two official tours of Canada—more than in any other Commonwealth country—and has twice delivered a Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber.

Throughout Her Majesty’s remarkable reign, she has witnessed Canada’s growth as a nation, established ever-deepening ties with its people, and expressed her love and admiration for our great country.

Over the next year, the Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated throughout Canada and the Commonwealth. For the duration of the Platinum Jubilee year, the Platinum Jubilee Flag will be flown from the Senate of Canada ceremonial flagpole.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I wish to congratulate Our Queen on the Platinum Jubilee and extend thanks to Her Majesty for seventy years of dedicated service.

The Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C.
Speaker of the Senate