The following statement was issued today from The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly:
“On behalf of Members and employees of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to express sincerest condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
At this time, I would like to pay tribute to her memory and honour the service she gave to people throughout the Commonwealth nations during her 70 years on the throne. I also take this opportunity to reflect on Her Majesty’s importance to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and time spent here, from her first visit in November 1951 – at the time, Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh – when she visited on behalf of her ailing father; to her most recent visit in June 1997, during the momentous occasion of the 500th anniversary of John Cabot’s arrival.
During each of Her Majesty’s visits to Newfoundland and Labrador, there was always great fanfare and excitement in the towns and communities she visited. Our Legislature remembers fondly The Queen’s visit to the House of Assembly Chamber in June 1997, during which time she signed the official guest book and greeted employees of the House of Assembly who had gathered to mark the momentous and historic occasion.
As a Legislature and as a province, our thoughts and prayers remain with the Royal Family in the difficult time ahead. In mourning the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, let us all take a moment to honour her memory and her dedicated service.”
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NOTE: A photo accompanying this release can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/releases.
Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178, 689-1288
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca
