Madam Speaker, although it is with a heavy heart, I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of my constituents in Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek.

Over this past week many have publicly reflected on her life, her steadfast loyalty and service to both her country and the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II embodied quiet strength and dutiful leadership with her life of service starting before she acceded the throne.

As a princess, she began conducting ceremonial duties from the age of 14, beginning with a radio broadcast in 1940. While Britain was at war and their homeland was under attack, the young princess stepped into her role to help bolster morale, as she and her sister had been evacuated out of the city to Windsor due to the bombing of London.

Once she turned 18, towards the end of World War II, she joined the army to become a mechanic. Something that, I know, endeared her to my father, a fellow mechanic. On the morning of her passing he called me, first to ensure I was watching the news and then to reflect on meeting her when he was 10 years old, in 1951, during her visit to Saskatoon before becoming queen. The affection my father, a man from rural Saskatchewan, held for the Queen is but one example of how close many Canadians across the country felt to her.

I also heard from Dolores, who shared meeting the Queen in Saskatoon at the synchrotron. In her words, Dolores said that the Queen graciously stopped to talk to a number of people, especially the kids who were along the path, even asking her nephew if he was having a good day. She also noted how genuine the Queen's smile was.

During her birthday radio broadcast for her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth. At such a young age, she knew the importance of a life of service and carrying out her duties.

Now, looking back, we can see that this oath was dutifully and thoroughly fulfilled. This spirit of service carried on into her reign as Queen and included serving as the royal patron or president of over 600 charities, professional bodies and public service organizations, including many in Canada. She served as both our head of state and the head of our armed forces. In all these roles, she embodied grace and humility. Where many may have faltered, the Queen flourished.

We know that Canada held a special place in her heart as she once referred to it as home, and it was her most visited country. We also know that this feeling was reciprocated by many Canadians. Indeed, Canada has benefited greatly from the steady hand of the Queen in her role as our monarch.

During the time of her reign, Canada underwent a significant transformation. She oversaw our growth as a nation, its growing pains and transition to a fully independent country, including the creation of our nation's Constitution. As others have remarked, Queen Elizabeth II was a comforting constant in a world of continuous change, a true stateswoman.

Ever mindful of her duty, in her final public statement shortly before she passed, the Queen spoke to the people of Saskatchewan and in particular the communities of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, extending her condolences to all those who lost loved ones and her prayers for those recovering from their injuries as a result of the horrific attacks that occurred in our province.

She served with humility and dignity, offering an ideal to strive for, and a reminder for us here in this place that we, too, endeavour to serve an ideal above ourselves.

During a radio broadcast eulogizing George VI, Winston Churchill, the first British prime minister to serve under Queen Elizabeth II, said: “Famous have been the reigns of our queens. Some of the greatest periods in our history have unfolded under their sceptre.” Such prophetic words, as we now know that Queen Elizabeth II continued that lineage of remarkable female monarchs.

Hers was a reign of stability and will be reflected upon with great admiration and affection. Her memory will live on as one of the greatest monarchs in our nation's history.

Finally, Her late Majesty the Queen was a woman of faith. During her Christmas broadcasts, she often remarked on its importance in her life and how it sustained her, and she asked for prayers for wisdom and strength. Today, I offer my sincerest condolences to the royal family in this difficult time. I pray they will be comforted and strengthened as they grieve the passing of our beloved Queen, who was their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

God bless Queen Elizabeth. Long live the King.

Kelly Block

$608,326.00