Statement : Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

For Immediate Release

September 8, 2022

Vernon, B.C.– Mel Arnold, Member of Parliament for North Okanagan-Shuswap, released the following statement today on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:

 “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today and join fellow Canadians and citizens across the Commonwealth is grieving the loss of our longest serving sovereign.

“Although she was not expected to ascend the throne at the time of her birth, Her Majesty wore the crown with dignity, humility, and deep devotion to her responsibilities as Queen.

“From her military service before her ascension to the throne at age 25, Her Majesty embodied a lifetime of dedication and sacrifice in public service and leadership in the face of great challenges and shifting global currents.

“For over 70 years, Canada benefited from the friendship and support of Her Majesty as she supported our independence and was present for pivotal moments in our national evolution.

“In 1982, Her Majesty personally signed her royal assent of Canada’s Constitution Act and granted Canada the ability to amend our constitution with full autonomy and entrenched the Charter of Rights and Freedoms firmly into Canadian law.

“This historic moment marked the beginning of a new era for Canada as a fully self-governing nation, while maintaining strong ties to history from which Canada has grown.

“I am grateful for Her Majesty’s exemplary public service and my thoughts are with Her Majesty’s family today as they navigate their great loss.”

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