Canada kicks off festivities for Queen's jubilee

It's a rare day that can be measured in both sombre tones and joyful celebration. For the Queen, this is the anniversary of her father's death, for monarchists it's also the day a princess embraced her destiny. Ben O'Hara-Byrne on the Queen's 60th year on the throne.

CTV British Columbia: Celebrations in B.C.

Celebrations kicked off in Victoria, B.C. honouring Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. Shannon Paterson has more.

CTV News Channel: Governor General, PM speak

Gov. Gen. David Johnston unveils the Queen's Jubilee Medals and says they are to be awarded to 60,000 outstanding Canadians. Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada is offering its deep appreciation for Queen Elizabeth's devotion.

Power Play: Brett Wilson, entrepreneur

A Diamond Jubilee medal recipient discusses how he feels about the monarchy, what some of his next plans are and also weighs in on the pipeline debate.

CTV News Channel: Bonnie Brownlee, royal expert

A former advisor to the royal family looks back at the day when Queen Elizabeth found out her father passed away while in she was in Kenya, and the many cultural changes she has witnessed over the decades.

CTV News Channel: Alexandre Bilodeau on his medal

The Olympic gold medallist says his Diamond Jubilee medal represents all Canadians who won at the Vancouver Olympics. He also discusses the legacy left behind by Sarah Burke.

CTV News Channel: Don Martin in Ottawa

The host of CTV's Power Play says it will be a 'feel good' year for monarchists and people who like the royals, and explains how the Canadian government is striving to reassert connections to the royal family.

CTV News Channel: Diamond Jubilee coins

Christine Aquino of the Royal Canadian Mint discusses some of the special and rare coins made in honour of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.

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The Queen's Canadian flag flies on Parliament Hill after being hoisted hoisted by Canada's Secretary to the Queen Kevin MacLeod to mark her Diamond Jubilee in Ottawa on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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I am a proud, native born Canadian who wonders why we maintain links to and name a foriegn monarch as our ceremonial head of state. I harbour no ill will towards this British lady, but her role in Canada makes no sense.

Rational Westerner

Canada kicks off festivities for Queen's jubilee

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Canada kicks off festivities for Queen's jubilee

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Mon. Feb. 6 2012 8:42 PM ET

Royal fervour has hit Parliament Hill once again as Canada marks Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee with a series of tributes to the official head of state.

From flag-hoisting to ice-carving, the celebrations are all meant to honour the Queen's sudden ascent to the throne 60 years ago.

Festivities began early Monday morning in Ottawa where Parliament hoisted the Queen's official flag designed for her when she took the throne.

"This flag is normally never flown unless the Queen is in residence or with us," said former royal family advisor Bonnie Brownlee.

The Canadian government was granted special permission to fly the flag on Parliament Hill, she told CTV's Canada AM on Monday.

A short while later, Gov. Gen. David Johnston was on hand to award the first batch of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medals to 60 outstanding Canadians.

About 60,000 Canadians, recognized for their community service work, will receive the medal over the course of the year.

Standing at a podium in Rideau Hall on Monday, Johnston said the medal recipients "share her majesty's ideals and her devotion to service."

Freestyle skier Alexandre Bilodeau and entrepreneur Brett Wilson were among those receiving medals, which bear the words "long live the Queen."

Recognizing a ‘lifetime of devotion'

Prime Minister Stephen Harper stopped by the ceremony before embarking on a trade trip to China. In a brief speech, he thanked the Queen for setting an example for those who do community service.

"Six decades later, we offer our deep appreciation for her lifetime of devotion," he said, adding that the Canadian medal winners gave him "great hope" for the country.

Additional medal ceremonies will take place in other Canadian provinces including Alberta and Prince Edward Island.

All 308 members of the House of Commons have been told they are medal recipients but some Quebec MPs have said they intend to give the awards back, according to French-language newspaper Le Devoir.

Meanwhile, jubilee festivities are ongoing in Ottawa. Other tributes planned for the Queen include an ice-carving of the jubilee emblem at Winterlude and the release of a commemorative Canada Post stamp.

As well, a stained glass window designed for the Queen will be installed in the Senate foyer on Tuesday.

"It has a picture of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth on it with the parliaments as they looked in that day," said Brownlee.

Despite some pomp and circumstance, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee is also a sombre occasion as she ascended to the throne after the death of her father, King George VI in 1952.

In a statement, the Queen said she and her husband have been "deeply moved" by all of the tributes received on her milestone.

"In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope that we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness," she wrote.

Back in Britain, Prime Minister David Cameron thanked the Queen for her service.

"All my life, and for the lives of most people in this country, she has always been there for us," he said. "Today, and this year, in the 60th anniversary of her reign, we have the chance to say thank you."

Members of the royal family plan to mark the jubilee by visiting Commonwealth countries across the globe in the coming months.

However, Canadians hoping for an encore visit from Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton will have to be content with a visit from Prince Charles and his wife Camilla in May.

Jubilee celebrations will continue around the world for four months, ending with a ceremony in London to mark the Queen's coronation.

Comments are now closed for this story

Calgary Moncharist
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For the parochials out there that do not know their history. The Queen is a CANADIAN Citizen. Get with the program. She is every much a Canadian as any other foreigner that chooses this country as their home. She is also OUR Queen of Canada.

Sask
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Everyone supporting the monarchy needs to stop thinking about how it's not doing us any harm and think about what benefit it has for us as a country. As far as i can tell our link to the crown has no tangible benefit to Canadians. All we do is PAY the bills when they decide to come for a visit. When people pay tribute to a crown it's usually in return something, Ditch the monarchy, they are a burden when they are here and even more so at home where the get 35 Million dollar in (British) tax payers money to pay all the servants who take care of them. We should celebrate hardworking individuals, not people who were born in the right family!!

Louise
said
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Not impressed with the $7.5 million for the jubilee festivities, especially the 3.5 million for the medals.

Riotgrl
said
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I think in order for a military member to get the medal, he or she must have either served overseas or have done something heroic. And have been in the military a minimum amount of time. Some officer who has been in for less than 5 years, has never done a tour overseas should not even be considered, just because they go to work everyday. I know a lot of ncm's who are way more deserving than stuffy officers!

C Savoie
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To add to my comment, the British Monarchy goes back in an UNBROKEN LINE to well over 1000 years ago. That says alot about its success right there.

Doris
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We are a country that takes pride in our multi-culturalism yet we can't let go of a queen that as many have said, has no relationship to our ancestry. I do not know the queen and therefore have nothing against her but I am sick of the hoopla about the monarchy. Most monarchy won rights to countries through war and I personally do not feel that is something I would take pride in. In my opinion, the monarchy had its place in time but that time is past. Let's move forward.

Nadine
said
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instead of wasting money on the queen why didn't we participate in the world's fair in Korea? Something that would promote Canadian culture and bring business interest to Canada instead of celebrating a family and Nation that really has nothing to do with us anymore. It's time to get the queen's face off our money and cut the remaining ceremonial ties.

DM
said
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time to move on and end our ties with the Queen. for those who disagree. please note what she does for the country besides draining the tax funds. its time to take back our Country. we dont have the money to pay for the historic Monarchy. we as her people shoulnt have to pay money to someone is far off and not in need of money. you people on this site think more about the Queen and we have homeless in this country that could use the money instead.
THIS IS BRAIN WASHING AND SICK THINKING

Monarchists Lunch Time
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Lunch time is over and they are back. I'm wondering if there is a memo today in Royal Canadian Forces offices in ottawa, Edmonton, Halifax, Cold Lake..... to come out in force and thumbs up and write in favor of monarchists. the referendum in Australia was very close. i'm sure we will do better.

Edward
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Karl K. Are we in a bad mood to-day? Must have had to start a new tea bag for the month.

BG in BC
said
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It is good to see that by the thumbs up, that most readers are not anti-monarchy.

C Savoie
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We're doing fine still connected with the British Monarchy. The americans rejected them, their sovereign and look at them now...their government is so screwed up, and they think they are the masters of the universe...talk about dillusional. I'm not saying the Canadian governement and the country's people would turn out the same, but why would we try?? Why would we think it's "time" to float on our own?? The British Monarchy is an impressive institution and we wouldn't be as good and as liked as we are now, around the world Canada is known as the friends of all nations, the americans are hated all over. Not that it's ok to compare ourselves to our closest neighbor, we are very different after all, but the mentality of "it's time we're our own republic" just isn't right and leaves a very sour taste in my mouth. God bless the Queen and her family!

Susie-Q Mtl.
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I have nothing against the Royal Family. I like them. My ancestors came from England, Scotland, & wales. What i can't figure out is why it's costing a fortune to have 60 year celebrations. Is it when members of the Royal Family visit here this summer for security etc.? I sure do hope so. Cause if not i say put some of the money back in the OAS fund so people can retire at 65. Then invest in education, health care roads, & fix the native reserves which are a big mess. Bye.

Christina Mullin
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The Queen is a part of Canada's heritage and history. She is important because we need her friendship in times when our nation is struggling with bad politicians. We do not lose our way when things get really tough in Ottawa because we have the Royal Family as our anchor. This was demonstrated during the "Watergate" affair in the US. The people were demoralized and needed a strong leader to renew their courage. Thankfully they found one in Ronald Reagan.
We might not be so lucky.

RPX
said
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I proudly support having the monarch as our head of state. There are many comments about the "cost " of the monarchy. Lets be clear what we in Canada pay for is the GG, and LT Gov's in each province. No money goes to the royal family. We only pay for thier state visits and associated security costs. If we went to different form of government we would probably see us adopt something similar to Ireland and still have a separate head of state federally and provincially and I doubt see a reduction in cost.

Retired in Burlington
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@ Edward. The Queen IS and always has been and always will be the Queen of Canada.

Alex in Edmonton
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Congratulations to Her Majesty on her decades of service to the country I love.

Prof. Pye Chartt
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@ Don L., not Toronto, ON: Indeed, Charles isn't an endearing figure. He'd play to my position. (P.S. I enjoy stirring the pot with an honest opinion that doesn't mince words. Those who think my comments are somehow "vitriolic" or that I'm "miserable" are, in my mind, too uptight and negative themselves. It truly makes me chuckle. Cheers.)

CH
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I am ever so proud to live in Canada! What a fantastic country we have! Our family loves our government and the monarchy. God bless Harper and the Conservatives and our Queen!! Congratulations dear Elizabeth on your Diamond Jubiliee!!

Jim O'Brien
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As usual we have all these American born socialists pushing for a republic. Canada is not interested in an American form of government.... if you like it so much move back.

sapper d
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To airborne Bob- you are right- i guess i don't deserve a medal, and I am very proud of our combat vets.,but it pains me to see our politicians get everything, when so many of us have nothing, but smashed and broken bodies, careers and hopes. That is all.

King Stephy
said
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Can we have our own monarchy? Harper has done so well in promoting our ties to English monarchy that he may become our own Monarch.

Kip
said
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To Tom The GG wears the CD because he is the Commander and Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces (Thats why !!) He/She does not have to do the 12 yrs service for reasons that are quite clear ..wake up and stop crying.

Tim
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The Queen herself said "In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, ..." ... how about telling our government to instead spend the money on *SERVICING* the needy. For every million dollar our government will spend on the celebration event, at least one thousand family can have food at the table for one month. That's worthy of celebration!

true
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All across Canada there is homelessness, seniors forced to live in poverty and young Canadian without hope for a future and all our Prime Minister and Government can do is spend your money on this idiocy. Well I guess all the problem folks can just go eat cake... I see that CTV is once again scrambling to find any news it can.

Jt
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Prof. Pye Chartt
What i find funny is those that say canada should be a republic like the states are the same that bash canada for beeing america light.

Don L., not Toronto, ON
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Dear Pye, Don't let some of these comments deter you or your vitriolic reponses. Your miserable rants are always welcome here in the interest of discussion and debate. My opinion is that even non-monarchist Canadians have a certain soft spot for Her Majesty. I suspect that all that will come to a screeching halt once Chuck gets the keys to the Shack across the pond.

Zoe
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Well for all the negativity on here so far from grumpy, sour people, I will say congratulations to her Majesty and I'm proud to be a member of the Common Wealth. I'm British Canadian and proud! On a separate note - I find it very amusing that Quebec MPs intend on returning the medals they are to receive. Once again the rest of Canada gets snubbed by Quebec. Guess they are too good for medals.

Cat
said
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I have to wonder why people can't just be happy,just enjoy this milestone and stop wallowing in their own self pity!!

Monarchist Lunch time
said
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The number of monarch supporting comments has been reduced at this time. I believe all High Commission office workers in ottawa are taking their 2 hours lunch time. Let see what is happening in few hours.

Casey
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Where did she( English Monarchy) get all her wealth? Research that and some of you monarchists might change your tune.

Don
said
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Instead of "@" everyone, lets just say that the Monarchy is a total waste of Canadian monies. We shouldn't be giving them any kind of money. They are filthy rich and keep sucking Canada for more. Let's put the money to better use like perhaps OAS.... I think the Government should be fired as they have no brain at all!!!

Chris in Kingston
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All serving MPs are being given the medal yet less than 10% of serving CF members (only 10,000 medals given to CF) are getting one? What a joke.

RealityCzech
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Proudly Canadian in Cobourg said: ".Even Scotland wishes to become independent of the English monarchyLets wish her well and adieu...."Not so, Proud Canuck: the Scottish Nationalist Party has stated that, once they achieve independence, they will retain the Queen as their monarch, just as Canada has wisely done.

Cheryl
said
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Government jobs are being cut, however, Ottawa has pledged $7.5 million dollars to spend on this?

tolls
said
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Politicians are all corrupt as anything.. every last one of them. No matter who was on the top of the heap that person will have some massive amount of money spent on them. The Queen has a party with all the public invited. In Italy they have bunga bunga parties.. Don't think by replacing the Queen you would get money spent on the needy.. The Queen protects us from power hungry politicians and I for one appreciate every year of service she has provided. She probably could do with out the party all together.. She is in her 80's and hasn't stop living a job that is 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you think that is an amazing life you have the insight of a child. Never envy the golden cage.

Talk for yourself
said
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Would you please not using the term "our Queen" and use "my Queen" instead? Thanks.

reidjr
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To those that keep saying declare canada a rep that $7 million would be nothing compared to what it would cost if canada was a republic.

Vancouver Girl
said
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God save the Queen!

martin bosse
said
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we should have given the money towards helping people in canada better then the queen

Prof. Pye Chartt
said
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Yikes! Some folks are really sensitive and seemingly insecure when it comes to the Royal Family. Relax. Opposing opinions aren't a threat to your existence. No need to get mad that someone "dare" suggest that the Monarchy has no practical utility. This forum is for harmless discussion and debate.

Edward
said
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I can say I am proud being Canadian, I can say I hold my head high being Canadian, and I can say it without having a Queen.

eddytoronto
said
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Dont think there is going to be a debt jubilee for YOU...And Your Government have committed a hostile act against Canadians....Odious debt is an established legal principle... Legally debt is to be considered odious if the Government used the money for personal purposes....example (The launch of War and unlawful aggression Afghanistan and Libya Iraq is still unknown if Your Kids were used)....The government has also given $$$ trillions in bailouts, loans, guarantees and other perks(Bonuses) and to the too big to fails$$$....Whatever Your Government tells You its Not Your Fault...Please Prey that Dr Ron Paul be Victorious ...

airborne bob
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@ sapper d so you think you should have the queens medal because you were injured in the service during the cold war . the military people who deserve the jubilee medal are the people who are combat vets(( lybia and afghanistan for example ) my cousin slipped on a wet floor while he served with the engineers in germany. he got a nato medal for it. anyway i am sure there will be people who deserve the queens jubilee medal that will be over looked. there will also be people receiving this medal who do not deserve it. god save the queen

Proudly Canadian, Cobourg
said
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As much as I can admire Queen Elizabeth for her long reign I would prefer to do it from afar...I think it's time Canada grew up and flew the Commonwealth nest.I do begrudge tax payers' money[mine] being spent on a family of extremely rich people.I would guess that those who support the monarchy are from the UK, not born here nor immigrants from other countries nor young people.Even Scotland wishes to become independent of the English monarchyLets wish her well and adieu....

RealityCzech
said
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Edward said: "This Queen is not, never has been and never will be Queen of Canada." Regardless of whether you're pro or anti-monarchy, Ed, I think you need to take a basic course in Canadian law to see how factually wrong your statement is!

Clayton
said
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They have lots of money ,if they want a to come over here pay there own way.

Ties to the monarchy
said
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The majority of canadians of british descent are those who were rejected by monarchy and sent by force to colonies including. They were sent to colonies including canada because they were considered unfit to live in the monarchic / noble British society. They packed all eurphans, petty criminals, poor, sick and homless into Royal Navy ships and sent them overseas. It amazes me to see the decendant of unwanteds are defending the monarchy and its rulers. Is it right to use our money for these British tourists? Queen of england is very welcome to Canada as a foreign tourist. She should take care of all her bills and her British passport should be verified and stampted by Canadian border agency. Long live queen of England. Long live free Canada.

Steve T
said
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I definitely wouldn't invite some of you guys to MY birthday party!

Glenn C
said
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I agree with some of the readers who think that visits from her nibbs are a real drain of tax $. Let's hope Will and Kate get the top job(s) and declare us separate from Britain. Can you imagine if Lord Charles or Harry get put on the throne? The palace would need it's own drink supply! Where or who supplies all of the lush trimmings????

Michael from the real world
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As for the Quebec MPs: they are entirely within their rights [however misguided] to refuse the diamond Jubilee medal, but they are comlete and utter hypocrites when they accept the Canadian money with the Queen's portrait imprinted upon each note and coin.

Jim
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Frickin ridiculous! Canada is gonna spend around 7-8 million on this pompous overrated old dried queen! what exactly is this for other than to blow the horn for her???? I don't get it? when there is homelesseness and foodbanks desparately needing funds like this across Canada and they are gonna throw a big party for her!

Michael from the real world
said
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Our Queen has given 60 years of stellar service and devotion to Canada and the rest of the Commonwealth, despite the churls who call her down [hello, Edward--fyi, the Queen is a Canadian citizen]. Those who call for a republic really ought to think about it, deeply, before they move to replace the constitutional monarchy we enjoy. e.g. Does one really want to give a Canadian PM any more powers? Or, if we are to have a president, does one want some broken-down hack of a politician deciding on the constitutional matters that arise from time-to-time? The beauty of our present system is that the royal family do not live here [continually costing our treasury with expensive palaces, ceremonies, travel and such] God save our gracious Queen!

pauly
said
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Thousands of young Canadians every year are denied admission to universities and technical institutions because there are not enough facilities to accomodate them.Would'nt it be wiser to spend the millions to make it possible for all qualified students to get the education they want and need in order to join the mainstream of our competitive society, instead of callously casting them aside.

Rational Westerner
said
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ObviousStatement
said
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Thank the above for CTV. I am so tired of the CBC and its internal bias. If you go to their site as per usual either the captions or the pictures are in some way unflattering to the royals The subtitles and lack there of in the art of editing at the CBC still amaze me. It is as if we have pernicious school girls in charge of the department.... thats "mean girls " in Hollywood speak. They could as CTV has make the effort to find more reasonable pictures of our Majesty the Queen of Canada despite their editorial staffs personal bias's. I am not the first to point this out.... again. I know the C in CBC does not stand for Canadian .... anymore but they could go through the motions just to say they did. It always amazes me that some take such offence to our head of state and history they owe their allegiance to.... seems so many, if they are offended by it must feel they themselves deserve the same recognition. A world of closet case monarchs all in a tizzy at our dear LizzyGod Save the Queen

Franck Commosens
said
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@hollis reno I know your replying to Cs (almost same initials, but same views): HELL YES we will be better OFF with a republic but are you THAT narrow minded that it means automatically a USA type republic!?! NO. As a republic, all bets are OFF and we can built this country as it should be, not a carbon copy of others.What does England does for you? NOTHING. so why are you paying billions for them? Anyway, BY LAW, when E2 dies, we will have a referendum to see IF we want to pledge allegiance to the kid that will be king; so Either we become a united republic or this will mean the end of this fragile confederation.

Karl K.
said
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@Edward, the Queens was the Queen of Canada at one point. The dominion of Canada was established in 1867, but Canada did not become an official independent country until 1982 when our constitution was introduced. Get your facts straight before you puke all over the internet.

Samantha
said
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I never cease to get a kick out of how positively miserable Prof. Pye Chartt. Lighten up dude.

Canadian Bob
said
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Oh Prof. Give your tiresome old anti-monarchy rant a rest will you? Here's a newsflash for you - The world does not revolve around you or your grumpy little childish diatribes. I know the reality of that must hurt, but there is over-the-counter help for that. Honestly! Now go kiss the picture of Harper that hangs over your bed and cheer up. Oh. Harper likes the Monarchy doesn't he. Maybe you'll have to turn the picture to face the wall until next year when the Queen will have nothing to celebrate?

LorraineH
said
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@Prof. Pye Chartt
I guess the Americans, that are citizens of the most commercially successsful, militarily strong and culturally envied and copied country that wear Canadian flags on their clothing when travelling don't know how well loved they are.

Now I'm not saying that because we are part of the Monarchy our country is in better shape today but, with the American debt spiraling out of control, no jobs no health care, a Congress and Senate that can only agree on when to take vacation, I prefer Canada as it is.

As for being culturally envied, I'm not quite sure what culture you are referring to - is it the culture that all Americans can bear arms (even assault rifles), is it the culture of Politicians bowing to Lobbyists, is it the culture of budget 'earmarks', is it the culture of spending Millions and Millions of dollars on an election while millions of people are starving?

I still prefer Canada and our status of being welcomed wherever we go because we are not like the US - we are Canadian. Being part of the Monarchy does not define or handicap us - it's part of our history.

Tom
said
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What 2 medals did Harper get awarded with I don't recall any ceremony giving him any medals. Was this because the GG had some and he didn't. On this note, why is the GG wearing a CD, this medal is for Military members who have served more that 12 years (of un-detected crime), did the GG serve the CF, I don't think so.............

Rob Calgary
said
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We don't need a queen and we don't have to become like anybody else! Just a waste of taxpayers money.If you want this birtday party send the feds a check for a $1000.00 each but don't be using money we don't have!Besides she has more money than I have and pension that could probably look after a hundred people who need it. Besides what did you get for your last birthday? I forgot we are just commoners.

Dave in Ottawa
said
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I would have thought the festivities would kick off with a multi-million dollar cheque to Tony Clement's riding.

hollis reno
said
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@ c.s. if you think canada would be better of as a republic just look south of our borber. god save the queen

Alberta Joe
said
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For all you naysayers out there, just look at the percentage of thumbs up compared to thumbs down for the comments. Clearly the majority of people that read this site are interested in keeping the royal ties. Congratulations and long live the Queen.

Franck Commonsens
said
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Congrats to E2 for her 60 Reign....after she's gone, let's kick OUT England OUT of Canada, become sovereign and a republic.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said
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I never cease to get a kick out of the monarchists who, with sphincter puckered, rigidly cling to the Queen's apron strings, and suggest that even though Canada's government effectively functions with successful independence of a politically unattached sovereign residing in a palace within a foreign country (yes, the Commonwealth isn't a single nation, folks), we couldn't possibly live without her and her family. Silly. Further, I laugh at the notion put forth by the nationalistically insecure types that the U.S. republic, which built itself into the world's most commercially successful, militarily strong, and culturally envied and copied country after kicking Britain to the curb is some frightening example of the doom that befalls any band of people who let go of monarchial Mommy. Truly amusing.

sapper d
said
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Just a quick note about the Queens Jubilee Medal...I was injured during the Cold War, live every day in pain and misery, have no medals at all for my service or loss, and I must watch as a bunch of smug politicians get this honour bestowed on them, just for showing up. Make this commemorative medal for all veterans/service members. Thanks.

Edward
said
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This Queen is not, never has been and never will be Queen of Canada.

Jt
said
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Gs
So if that mean it would cost alot more to switch over and cost more each year you would be fine with that and taxes going up?

MeXicalliannie
said
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Would be nice if they could celebrate on their own dollar and not ours. As much as I like the royal family it is time for them to stop travelling the world at every one else's expense. :(

arty
said
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Long live our gracious Queen.

JustJeff1972
said
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Congratulations to HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada on this her 60th anniversary as Monarch of the Commonwealth. May her reign last another 60 years! God save the Queen!!

VictoriaAdams
said
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Good Save the Queen.

Paul ~ Kitchener
said
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GOD BLESS our MONARCH on this Diamond Jubilee year of her ascension to the throne of England. Canada is her loyalist supporter and she is Canada's Head of State long may she reign. Canada is the leading nation in the world for many things, but, lack of loyalty to our Queen is not one of them. I thank God, that our government is leading in the celebrations around the world on this occasion. Me, and my family, join in honouring our Lady the Queen. Vive le Reine Elizabeth II et Canada aussi.

Stan
said
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So, now we are going to have "celebrations" and "festivities" that will last a third of a year, and will cost Canadians truckloads of money. And for what purpose, one asks.

The answer is to celebrate a milestone of a woman who lives an ocean away and has no relevance for most of us. Except for a small minority of royalists, a great many Canadians have no historical ties with Britain.

Over the past years, the Canadian Government has weaned us away from the Royals of England and promoted our own National identity; that is 'til recently, when Mr. Harper insisted on bringing back a long dead tradition of styling the Canadian Navy and the Canadian Air Force as "Royal". Why ? When are we finally going to go our own way instead dragging on the coat tails of a foreign country?

There are many Canadians who will point out the popularity of Will and Kate, as seen by their recent visit to our Country, and say the monarchy is alive again. No, this high profile merely reflects the fact that the couple is attractive, young and hip. Young Canadians continue to care not a wit about the possible goal of the couple's being involved in our Government.

The time is long past for us to exhibit our full independance as a Nation.

Jeremiah
said
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What an absolute waste of money. These high paid, pampered welfare reciepients should be consigned to the wastebasket of history where they belong. How can Ottawa justify this waste of money while closing down essential services to canadians?

Elizabeth Rogers
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I am thrilled at Canada's input into the Jubilee and any visitor from the monarchy to Canada is and should be welcomed. This is our history and I, for one, am proud of it.

John
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I remember as a young 5 yr old tyke in 1976, with an english and greek stammer, my parents enlisted me in Boy Scouts at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Thunder Bay. When stating my Scout's Oath without a stutter, I recall being in awe of the Queen's portrait. Even to this day I keep a little portrait of the Queen in my office. God Save the Queen

CS
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Time to declare Canada a Republic!