The Golden Jubilee -A Canadian Celebration
February 6, 1952, the Accession Day of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is an important day in Canadian history. On that date, Canada began a very special and connected relationship with its new Queen.
Our nation, however, welcomed more than its Queen. Our country welcomed the beginning of an era replete with accomplishments on every level - from individual achievements, to some of our nation's greatest changes.
Her Majesty The Queen's Golden Jubilee is a time to look back and reflect on her distinguished 50 years as Queen of Canada, and to honour the accomplishments during her reign.
Canadians are invited by Royal Proclamation to celebrate both Her Majesty's 50th year as Queen of Canada, and all that Canada has become during that time. Indeed, the year 2002 is "The Queen's Golden Jubilee: A Canadian Celebration."
A Visit to Canada
In honour of Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee, Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will visit Canada from October 4 to October 15, 2002.
The visit includes stops in Nunavut, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and the National Capital Region. At the end of the Summer, the Department of Canadian Heritage will unveil the official itinerary of The Queen's visit to Canada.
The 2002 Royal Visit Web site (www. canadianheritage.gc.ca/royalvisit2002) will encourage Canadians in all regions of the country to participate in the visit in colourful and meaningful ways.
The Canadian Crown -A Brief Background
Under our system of constitutional monarchy, the Queen is our Head of State: She represents the people as citizens, as opposed to a head of government, who represents the people as voters. In Canada, the Queen is represented by the offices of the Governor General (in federal matters) and the ten Lieutenant Governors (in provincial affairs). These distinguished Canadians serve as spokespersons for the Queen.
The Canadian Crown has continued to evolve as a fundamental element of our system of government and our larger sense of identity. This is most evident in the institution's daily function and its visible face to the nation. For example, the appointment of Vincent Massey as the first Governor General of Canadian origin since Confederation, in the same year as Her Majesty's accession, was a milestone in our history.
Ongoing appointments of individuals to the offices of Governor General and Lieutenant-Governor have continued to mirror our contemporary society - a society embracing diversity and multiculturalism.