Speaker, today we’ve gathered to offer our deep and sincere condolences to King Charles III, to the family of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to all who mourn her. In the United Kingdom, throughout the Commonwealth and the world, people have lost a calm and reassuring symbol of stability and an icon of dignity, resolve and good humour. Her Majesty’s reign lasted more than 70 years. Her unwavering commitment to public service was even longer. As the Premier has noted, during a visit to Cape Town, South Africa, in 1947, then-Princess Elizabeth delivered this pledge on just her 21st birthday: “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.”

Her Majesty began her public duties during the Second World War. Like so many Canadians, she joined the war effort. She trained as a driver and a mechanic. Her spirit of service was apparent to the world, a spirit that never wavered during the trials and storms of her 70-year reign. For generations to come, the world will remember Her Majesty for her devotion to her duty and for her unflappable nature in executing those duties, never without thoughtfulness and often with a bit of humour.

She had a unique relationship with Canada, visiting this land more than any other country in the world. On October 8, 1951, she arrived in Canada for the first time as Princess Elizabeth. For 33 days, she travelled across Canada with Prince Philip, visiting 10 provinces and stopping in 60 communities. During her reign, she made 31 trips here. I think we recognize that the Queen held a special place in her heart for this beautiful land that we call home. In fact, on her final visit to Canada in 2010, the Queen was in Halifax when she said, “It is very good to be home.”

Queen Elizabeth II has been a thread that has tied generations together. She was a constant and reassuring presence in times of change. Her portrait hung in this Legislature during the tenure of 11 Premiers. Her reign lasted through 12 Canadian Prime Ministers and 15 British Prime Ministers. Many in this chamber will have been lucky enough to talk to our own parents or grandparents in the last few days to hear how powerful an impression the Queen made on them as we all watched her family grow alongside our own families.

Today, we’re here not only to pay tribute to a monarch, but to grieve a woman. She was a person and a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A family is grieving the Queen not only as their sovereign, but as a beloved family member. They have lost not just their matriarch, but also a wise elder and a connection to their ancestors. So, to those who call Her Royal Highness mum, granny or auntie, we send our deepest condolences. We hope that they find comfort and solace in each other during this difficult time, as well as from the outpouring of warm memories and fond farewells from people around the globe.

As we say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II, we welcome her son King Charles III. As with any ascension, a new era has arrived. King Charles has been vocal about his passion for the environment. He has made his interest in organic farming and sustainable development well known. He has written about and spoken on climate change and green energy. Earlier this year, he visited Yellowknife and urged people to open their minds to the wisdom of Indigenous leaders in order to “restore harmony with nature.” The new King is the first that attended a school instead of being educated at home. He is the first to have attended university. He’s been outspoken about his responsibility to the next generations—not only the future generations of his own family, but to all of our families. We’re hopeful that King Charles III is a monarch who will be forward-looking towards a brighter and more sustainable, just and equitable future.

Speaker, on a more personal note, the then Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla visited Toronto about a decade ago, and I think many people in this House had an opportunity to attend at that reception. Far more importantly than my attendance was the attendance of my mother, who grew up in Liverpool. I’ll just say she pulled rank to make sure no one else attended with me that day, because you only got one other invitation. Luckily enough, thanks to some of my colleagues, she actually wound up in the receiving line to shake hands with the then Prince of Wales, and I just think their interchange speaks to the humanity of the prince.

My mother introduced herself, said she was from Liverpool, and his response was, “Well, do you get home very often?” They went on to have a friendly chat—not formal, not stuffy, just simply human, connecting in a very easy and comfortable way. I think that speaks well to the character of this man who would be King.

On behalf of Ontario’s loyal opposition, we welcome King Charles III. May his reign be in good health, may his time as King be marked by peace and progress and may he be guided by goodness and humanity.

I close by saying, on behalf of the loyal opposition, I offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Queen Elizabeth II and to all who grieve her. May Her Majesty rest in peace.