Message from Minister Moore
2012 marks the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. This Diamond Jubilee year is an opportunity to honour The Queen’s extraordinary dedication and service to Canada and to celebrate our country’s many achievements during Her Majesty’s reign.
Her Majesty has toured this country over 20 times since 1952 and participated in numerous Canadian milestones, coming to know Canada and Canadians personally throughout her 60 years as Queen of Canada. Her affection for the citizens of this country is only exceeded by her determination to serve as an exemplary Head of State. Together with His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty has travelled to every region of Canada, meeting Canadians from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Throughout the Diamond Jubilee year, those Canadians who, like Her Majesty, have dedicated their life to the service of others, will be honoured with a Diamond Jubilee Medal for their contributions through a program administered by the Office of the Governor General of Canada. These recipients will be the people who make a difference in your community and continue to make Canada one of the best countries in the world to live in.
In addition to the Diamond Jubilee Medal program, I encourage all Canadians to join with their neighbours, family, and friends to organize a community event or an educational activity to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. This very special anniversary provides Canadians with an excellent occasion to reflect on our constitutional monarchy, the role of the Crown in Canada, our system of government, and to learn more about why Canada leads the world in human rights, democratic freedom and peace, order and good government.
Therefore, as we look forward to 2017, when we will celebrate 150 years as a nation, I invite Canadians to participate in Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, as we mark another important anniversary that reminds us not just of where we have come from, but also of who we are and the prosperous future that lays ahead for Canada.