Canada Reacts…

The Queen has died at the age of 96. Here is some of the reaction from notable Canadians: •••

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon

“For many of us, we have only ever known one Queen. When I was growing up, my grandmother revered The Queen, as did so many in the Arctic. She would tell us stories about Her Majesty, about her role and her commitment. Her Majesty’s warm welcome when we spent time with her earlier this year was a profound moment in our lives and a memory we will cherish forever.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

“Queen Elizabeth II lived a life of history and duty. She was also a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. My thoughts today are for her family who have lost a pillar of strength in their lives.”

••• Interim Conservative Leader Candice Bergen

“As Queen of Canada, she was not only a witness to our historical evolutions as a modern, confident, and self-assured nation -- she was an active participant. She was with us to open the St. Lawrence Seaway. She presided over our centennial celebrities. Later, she even opened the Olympic Games in Montreal. Many will say today that her passing marks the end of an era, but truly, Her Majesty presided over two eras in Canada’s national life.”

Paul Martin, former prime minister

“Queen Elizabeth was deeply inquisitive and keenly informed. She was exceptionally good company and very witty. At our first meeting, she was kind enough to mention her friendship with my parents who had lived in London when my father served as Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom during the late 1960s. It is difficult to express how much that would have meant to my mother and father who were great admirers of her.”

••• Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner to the UK

“On behalf of all Canadians in the United Kingdom and with a heavy heart, I send my deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was an inspiration, her commitment to Canada unwavering. May she rest in everlasting peace.”

British Columbia Premier John Horgan

“At every opportunity, Queen Elizabeth II made time for people, especially children. For the tens of thousands of people who came out to see the Queen as she travelled to communities throughout B.C., these moments will be cherished for a lifetime.”

British Columbia Lt.-Gov Janet Austin

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“Her presence touched entire generations of Canadian families, who watched her grow from the teenage princess who trained as a mechanic with the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, to the young Queen who charmed crowds on her many tours throughout the country, to a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother many times over.”