On behalf of Burnaby City Council, it is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Canada’s sovereign and Britain’s longest-serving monarch, on September 8, 2022. Not just for Britain but for all the nations of the Commonwealth and beyond – she was a constant and stable presence.
The inevitable forces of social, economic and political change transformed the nations for which she served as head of state, but through it all, she served as a source of comfort and assurance.
Queen Elizabeth II was a great influence with tremendous work ethic and commitment to her role and duties.
Her visits abroad were highly anticipated and embraced with much excitement wherever she visited. During her reign, she visited Canada more than 20 times, including visits to Burnaby. Canada had 12 prime ministers during her 70-year tenure. The United Kingdom had 15 – including Winston Churchill from 1951 to 1955 and Margaret Thatcher from 1979 to 1990.
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II comes the end of a reign without peer. With her son King Charles III now on the throne, a new era begins. We wish him well, and may he bring the same level of energy and commitment to the role.
Mike Hurley
Mayor
City of Burnaby