REMEMBERING 'THE QUEEN MUM'

Released on March 31, 2002

On behalf of all the people of Saskatchewan, Premier Lorne Calvert

expressed his deep condolences following the passing of Queen Elizabeth –

The Queen Mother.



"A blanket of sorrow covers us all as we remember 'our favourite

grandmother'," Calvert said. "The Queen Mother was the monarch of the

people – a symbol of grace, dignity and elegance befitting the most-beloved

member of the royal family."



Of the 11 officials visits to Canada during her lifetime, the Queen Mother

came to Saskatchewan twice, once with her daughter Queen Elizabeth the

Second in 1985, and the first time in 1939 – her first-ever visit to Canada.



"Queen Elizabeth and King George VI visited Saskatchewan in June of that

year," Calvert said. "The King and Queen made stops in Regina, Moose Jaw

and Saskatoon. Many will still remember the specially-built silver and

blue royal train as it whisked through communities like Broadview. Large

crowds also came to see the royal couple in Meville and Watrous."



It was shortly after this royal visit to Saskatchewan and Canada that the

Second World War broke out. During the blitz of London and the bombing of

Buckingham Palace, the Queen Mother and her husband refused to leave – a

symbol that rallied the people of Great Britain throughout the war.



"The Queen Mother stood by her country during that terrible time," Premier

Calvert said. "The people of Saskatchewan and around the world stand by

her memory now."



The Queen Mother said in 1939 she fell in love with Canada and lost her

heart to the country and its people. During later visits, she remarked 'to

be here is to be among true and lasting friends'.



"The feelings of Saskatchewan people toward the Queen Mother have deepened

over the years," Calvert said. "We were privileged to be called friend,

and honoured to have been part of her legacy."



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For more information, contact:



Kevin Wishlow

Media Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-0963