The Queen on Canada
"I have always felt not only welcome but at home in Canada." (2005, Alberta)
"My mother once said that this country felt like a "home away from home" for the Queen of Canada. Ladies and gentlemen, six decades later it still does.... and it is good to be back." (2005, Saskatchewan)
"During a previous visit 32 years ago I said that "... I want the Crown in Canada to represent e
verything that is best and most admired in the Canadian ideal. I will continue to do my best to make it so during my lifetime, and I hope you will all continue to give me your help in this task." I would like to repeat those words today as, together, we continue to build a country that remains the envy of the world." (2005, Alberta)
"I want to express my profound gratitude to all Canadians ... for the loyalty, encouragement and support you have given to me over these past 50 years." (2002, Quebec)
"I would like to affirm before you tonight that wherever the future may take us, my admiration and affection for Canada and Canadians everywhere is, and will always remain, clear, strong and sure." (2002, Quebec)
"Canada Forever." (2002, Hamilton)
"I treasure my place in the life of Canada and my bond with Canadians everywhere." (2002, Vancouver)
"It is a privilege to serve you as Queen of Canada to the best of my ability, to play my part in the Canadian identity." (2002, Vancouver)
"I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian royal family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory. I thank you for welcoming us so warmly." (2002, Nunavut)
"These memories -- and so many many others over these 50 years -- help to explain not only the admiration but the deep affection I feel for this country and for Canadians everywhere." (2002, Nunavut)
"The people of the North hold a special place in our memories and in our hearts." (1994, Yellowknife)
"It is fitting that here, in the nation's capital, and before its Parliament Buildings, we should celebrate this anniversary. I am reminded that I spoke, when I was here last, of the way in which that Canada Day united Sovereign, Parliament and people. Today, as Canadians are working to modernize and improve the Constitution, this unity of its three elements is yet more significant." (1992, Canada Day)
"I and members of my family have been with you on many special days in the life of this country. I particularly recall another July 1st in Canada's Centennial Year, here on Parliament Hill. I said then, and I repeat it today, that 'Canada is a country that has been blessed beyond most countries in the world'. It is a country worth working for." (1990)
"I'm going home to Canada tomorrow." (1983, on leaving California for Canada)
"I'm getting to know our country rather well." (1978)
"I dedicate myself anew to the people and the nation I am proud to serve." (1977, Speech from the Throne, Ottawa)
"Canada asks no citizen to deny their forebearers, to forsake their inheritance - only that each should accept and value the cultural freedom of others as he enjoys his own. It is a gentle invitation, this call to citizenship and I urge those who have accepted the invitation to participate fully in the building of the Canadian society and to demonstrate the real meaning of the brotherhood of man." (1973)
"I count myself fortunate to be at the head of a state in which such a society (open to everyone) exists and which is strongly established in freedom and tolerance." (1970)
"From the moment when I first set foot on Canadian soil the feeling of strangeness went, for I knew myself to be not only amongst friends, but amongst fellow countrymen."
