The Crown is an essential part of the constitutional order of Canada :Stephen Harper

Toronto: Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark an historic milestone in the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:

“Laureen and I are delighted to join Canadians across the country to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest reigning Sovereign in Canada’s modern era, surpassing the reign of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria (r. 1837-1901).

“Her Majesty has served Canada with honour, distinction and great affection. Through her unfaltering dedication to all facets of our society – from our Aboriginal Peoples to the Canadian Armed Forces, from volunteers to charitable organizations – she has enriched our national life and has never wavered in her commitment to duty or to her Coronation Oath as Queen of Canada. For more than sixty three years, and through 22 Royal Tours as Queen, Her Majesty has won the hearts of her people by always shining a light on the best of who and what we are as Canadians. We are grateful for her service, which continues to remind us that the Crown is an essential part of the constitutional order of our country.

“Canada is pleased to mark today’s milestone and honour Her Majesty’s contributions to Canada through a range of celebratory activities, including the issuance of commemorative coins (Royal Canadian Mint), a commemorative $20 bank note (Bank of Canada) and a new stamp (Canada Post).

“As Canadians prepare to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 2017, it would serve us well to mirror the Queen’s dedication to and affection for this great country and the rich diversity of her people. We look forward to welcoming Members of the Royal Family to join us in celebrating a country that remains the envy of the entire world.

“We wish Her Majesty health and happiness on this most joyous occasion and in the years to come.

“God save the Queen.”