Released on December 9, 2002
I am so pleased to bring you greetings during this special season on behalfof Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada for half a century.
The events of this year have brought greater attention to and interest in
the Crown. The deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother saw an
outpouring of concern for Her Majesty because of the collective realization
that she lost, within a matter of weeks, her two lifelong confidantes.
This, combined with the Queen's Golden Jubilee, has led the public to
reflect more on the significance of her role in the world over the past
fifty years.
The Queen has devoted herself to her duties, to the people of the
Commonwealth, and to the citizens of Canada. She has spent more time in
our nation than in any other aside from her homeland. Our Sovereign has
consistently reminded us, in the words of historian Jacques Monet, "of the
centrality of sacrifice and tolerance, of the courage and faith that will
keep Canada together".
This summer, when farmers from eastern Canada donated feed to drought-
stricken prairie farmers, we were reminded that despite the vastness of our
country, Canadians, from coast to coast to coast, share similar values,
including an abiding concern for the well-being of others. This spirit of
compassion is evident in the sacrifices made by Canadian Veterans and those
who continue to serve in peacekeeping missions. And it is evident in the
acts of kindness demonstrated by ordinary Canadians every day.
As we reflect upon the past year and look forward to 2003, all of us who
have the good fortune to call Saskatchewan home can give thanks for the
many blessings we enjoy ... for the subtle yet breath-taking beauty of the
prairies, for the rights and freedoms afforded us by our constitutional
monarchy, and for the gift of living in a province where so many give of
themselves to improve the lives of others.
I leave you with the words of the familiar blessing:
"Go forth into the world in peace,
Be of good courage,
Hold fast that which is good,
Render to no one evil for evil,
Strengthen the faint-hearted,
Support the weak,
Help the afflicted,
Honour everyone."
On behalf of my husband Harley and our family, I wish you a very Merry
Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a joyous New Year. We would be very
pleased to welcome you to historic Government House in Regina at our annual
New Years Day levee.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Irene White
Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4415