Members of Parliament, many dressed in black, returned to Ottawa ahead of schedule on Thursday to take part in what will be a two-day “special session” to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II and mark the accession of King Charles III to the throne. . .
The House of Commons celebrates this historic opportunity to allow MPs to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the Queen, ahead of national commemorations on Monday. You can watch the proceedings live, above.
Beginning at 10 am ET, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the first MP to deliver a speech honoring Canada’s longest-reigning monarch.
“Last week, Canada lost the only sovereign most of us have ever known. It is important to take advantage of these moments here in Parliament and across the country to recognize the service and leadership that she provided to us,” he said, sharing memories of He had met her many times throughout his life, reflecting on her humor, curiosity, and sage advice.
“When someone lives to be 96, this should not have come as a surprise, and yet his absence has struck us all palpably and profoundly. His Majesty was everywhere,” Trudeau said.
During his remarks, Trudeau announced that he, along with Governor-General Mary Simon, would travel to London for Monday’s state funeral, bringing former prime ministers and governors-general with him.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre followed the prime minister, making his House of Commons debut in his new role.
“The Queen had a special place in our hearts, and we had a special place in hers. She spent more official time here in Canada than in any other country except the UK,” Poilievre said, recalling her many visits.
The new leader of the Official Opposition also referred to the central role that the Crown plays in Canada’s democratic institutions.
“Parties and politicians come and go, the Crown endures,” he said before congratulating the new King.
Quebec bloc leader Yves-Francois Blanchet briefly offered his condolences, noting that “the history between the Crown and the nation of Quebec is thorny and cruel.”
Once the initial ceremonial elements were completed on Thursday morning, he and his group left the House of Commons and are not expected to participate further.
“Queen Elizabeth II led a remarkable life, marked by history. In the midst of tremendous change, she was a figure of stability, providing a constant symbol for many,” said NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. “Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II used her platform to offer encouragement in difficult times. Most recently, during the pandemic.”
Singh also said he hopes King Charles III will meet the challenge of reconciliation that has been put forward by indigenous leaders.
Also alluding to some of the tension within Canada regarding the role of the Crown, Green Party MP Mike Morrice said that while “many political issues” remain to be discussed, “today is not that day. Today, we honor and mourn an extraordinary woman who loved this country and its citizens.”
After these representatives from each party spoke, a moment of silence was observed in the room. The parliamentarians rose to their feet, hands folded in front of them, heads bowed.
A motion was also passed, by division, to send Her Majesty a message from the Canadian House of Commons expressing deep sympathy at the death of her beloved mother and welcoming her accession.
“In this time of grief, we … convey a sincere expression of our loyalty and devotion. We, the Commons of Canada, do our best to defend and support your majesty and shoulder your heavy responsibilities,” it read in part. .
For the remainder of the day, individual parliamentarians will have the opportunity to stand and comment. Each has been given a time limit of 10 minutes.
An indication of how many elected officials want to speak, MPs have agreed to extend the session to a second day, meaning speeches will continue on Friday. This special two-day session will not include routine parliamentary business such as question period or legislative debate.
Approving a motion at the start of Thursday’s session, Government House Leader Mark Holland said the House’s special retreat was for the “sole purpose of paying tribute and making statements on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.” Elizabeth II and the accession to the throne”. of her Majesty King Carlos III”.
Thursday’s tributes began with a moment of silence for the victims of the mass stabbings in Saskatchewan that unfolded just days before Queen Elizabeth II’s death. Her Majesty’s last public statement before her passing was to express sympathy for those affected by the James Smith Cree Nation tragedy.
During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II was present at several key moments in Canadian history. In 1957, she became the first Canadian monarch to open Parliament and make a speech from the throne. In 1982, she signed the royal proclamation of the new Constitution Act, which included the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This special event comes before the opening of the fall session, which has been postponed until September 20 to accommodate Monday’s commemorative events.
The last time the Parliament of Canada participated in a special session like this was in 1952, when King George VI died.