Ontario unveils statue of Queen Elizabeth II in Toronto
TORONTO, November 7, 2023 – Today, at Queen’s Park in Toronto, the Government of Ontario has unveiled a commemorative statue to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and Her Late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth.
The statue is located next to the Visitors’ entrance at the Legislative Building at Queen’s Park.
Watch video of the unveiling ceremony:
“For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II put service before self and was a constant presence that people around the world looked to for comfort and strength,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This statue stands not only as a tribute to the late Queen and her many contributions to Canada and Ontario, but as an enduring symbol of our traditions, values and democracy.”
The statue is a commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s lifetime of personal service as Queen and is an important contribution to Ontario’s history and heritage. It also provides learning opportunities for Ontarians and visitors of the Legislative Building, today and for future generations.
“For more than 70 years, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made significant contributions to the quality of our national character and the complexion of civic life in Canada, putting duty before desire and service above self. Throughout times of great change and uncertainty, she was always a source of strength and stability,” said the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “I hope this statue will encourage everyone who passes by to think about Her Late Majesty’s remarkable life of service, and about how the values she upheld can help us bring forth the future we wish to see.”
“Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a strong leader who advocated for basic human rights, freedom and self-governance,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Legislative Affairs. “As the longest-serving head of state, we are recognizing and paying tribute to Her Late Majesty’s service and what it represents in Canadian history.”
The statue was designed and hand-sculpted by noted Canadian sculptor and artist, Ruth Abernethy, and cast by Mississauga art foundry MST Bronze Limited. It depicts Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 on the throne in the Canadian Senate, where she delivered a speech on Canadian unity.
Quick Facts
- The statue features Her Late Majesty holding maple leaves to represent the Canadian provinces and territories.
- The statue was first commissioned in 2016 by a group of private volunteers after receiving approval from Her Late Majesty to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Sapphire Jubilee and the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
- Treaties Recognition Week is recognized in Ontario from November 5-11. Queen Elizabeth II routinely made efforts to engage with First Nations communities and expressed her admiration of Indigenous culture and the importance of the long-standing treaty relationship with many First Nations in the country.
Ontario unveils statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Queen’s Park, Toronto November 7, 2023 (screen capture from CPAC)
SOURCE Government of Ontario
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