Hon. Tony Loffreda: Honourable senators, it is with a heavy heart, but with much gratitude and respect, that I rise today to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.

We all recognize the significance of the Queen’s passing and its historical impact on our society, particularly here in Canada, but we must also acknowledge the fact that a family has lost a loved one. The pain, sorrow and sadness are equally devastating whether she was a queen or not. To our new King and his family, I join millions in extending my deepest condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of their beloved matriarch.

[Translation]

I would also like to offer my condolences to Canadians, to the greater Commonwealth family and to people around the world who are mourning the passing of our Queen.

[English]

Yesterday, at the moving commemorative ceremony here in Ottawa in honour of Her Majesty, former Prime Minister Mulroney reminded us how the Queen considered Canada her home, and rightfully so. She visited Canada more than any other place in the world outside of the United Kingdom.

Of her more than 20 official visits to Canada, the one that I remember most fondly was in 1976. I still remember her appearance at the Games of the XXI Olympiad in Montreal. I was only 14 years old. Perhaps, at the time, I was too young to fully comprehend the significance and the reasons behind her presence in Montreal. But when she officially declared the games open in French, I felt a sense of pride and appreciation for what she stood for and for her unwavering commitment to our people.

Indeed, for 70 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been a constant, stabilizing presence in our lives, and a voice of reason, strength and resolve. Her reign was characterized by her grace, dignity and dedication to public service. I thank her for her enduring admiration of and dedication to our nation. She will remain an inspiration to me and many others who shared her values and cherished her altruistic commitment for the betterment of her citizens.

[Translation]

It is no secret that Her Majesty was also very proud of our country’s bilingual status. Her command of the French language was impeccable and, as a Quebecer, I always appreciated her commitment to speaking to Canadians in both official languages.

[English]

When my parents immigrated here in 1962, Canada was viewed as a land of hope and opportunity. It was a young and vibrant country, a prosperous democracy modelled on the British Westminster system and a nation characterized by its stability and growing influence on the world stage. I thank my parents every day for choosing Canada and for taking the oath of Canadian citizenship all those years ago, when they swore to be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty. In many respects, she epitomized everything my family was seeking when they left their motherland and came to Canada. And Her Majesty was there every step of the way as we grew into a modern, burgeoning and dynamic 21st-century nation.

Nearly 60 years later, I, too, would pledge to be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when I — like all of us in this chamber — was summoned to the Senate of Canada. It truly was an honour to serve under Her Majesty’s reign, and I will continue to humbly serve the Crown and His Majesty King Charles III on behalf of all Canadians.

I know the world will miss her dearly, but I am also confident that our new King will continue her legacy and, as he said during his inaugural address as the new sovereign:

And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.

May God bless the Queen, and may God save the King.