A message from The Queen to the people of Canada

Published

I am delighted to offer all Canadians my best wishes and congratulations on the 150th anniversary of Confederation

I am delighted to offer all Canadians my best wishes and congratulations on the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Countries throughout the Commonwealth and, indeed, around the world, rejoice with you as you embark on this special year.

Throughout the years, particularly since your Centennial year, I have watched Canada develop into a remarkable nation.

You have earned a reputation as a welcoming, respectful and compassionate country.

Fifty years ago, on the eve of the Centennial, I encouraged Canadians to continue to embody the values of equality, freedom and inclusion.

Today, these values remain deeply rooted in the Canadian experience. Your country, while still young, has the maturity needed to follow its passions.

Throughout the coming year, you will have the opportunity to remind the world of the importance of protecting those values and of passing them on to future generations.

On this eve of national celebrations, my family and I are with you in spirit.

We pray that God will bless Canada and that, over the next 150 years, Canadians will continue to build a better country and a better world.

As you prepare to mark this important milestone in your country’s history, I send my warmest good wishes to you all.

Related content

A message from The Queen to the Governor General and the people of Canada

I mourn with all Canadians at this tragic time.

07 September 2022

The Queen's message to mark Canada's first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

I join with all Canadians on this first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

30 September 2021
Press release 06 July 2021

Announcement of a new Governor General of Canada

Read more
Press release 13 July 2017

Announcement of next Governor General of Canada

Read more

A message from The Queen on the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge (French)

Nous avons le devoir de nous souvenir et d’honorer Ia mémoire de ceux qui ont servi vaillamment et qui ont tant donné ici, sur la crete de Vimy, et tout au long de la Premiere...

09 April 2017

A message from The Queen on the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge

It is our duty to remember and honour those who served so valiantly and who gave so much here at Vimy Ridge and throughout the First World War.

09 April 2017

A message from The Queen to the people of Canada (written in French)

C’est un plaisir pour moi de transmettre mes meilleurs voeux et mes félicitations aux Canadiens et Canadiennes à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire de la Confédération

01 January 2017

A speech by The Queen in Nova Scotia, 2010

Canadians have, by their own endeavours, built a country and society which is widely-admired across the world.

28 June 2016

The Queen's message to the Governor General of Canada following the wild fires in Fort McMurray

Prince Philip and I were shocked and saddened by the news of the wild fires that are causing such devastation to Fort McMurray

04 May 2016

The Queen's Message to the Athletes

The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth.

23 July 2014
Press release 22 October 2014

The Queen's message to the Governor-General of Canada

Read more
Press release 13 March 2013

Message from The Queen to Colonel Hadfield

Read more
Press release 12 July 2010

Announcement of new Governor-General of Canada

Read more

A speech by The Queen in Toronto, Canada, 2010

Aujourd’hui, bien des années plus tard, j’éprouve toujours autant d’affection et d’admiration pour le Canada.

05 July 2010

A speech by The Queen in Winnipeg, 2010

I hope that today will be a special and memorable time for each and every one of you.

03 July 2010

A speech by The Queen on Canada Day speech, 2010

I have watched with enormous admiration how Canada has grown and matured while remaining true to its history.

01 July 2010
Press release 01 August 2009

Announcement of visit to Canada in 2010

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the '1914-1918 Vigil' at Canada House

Among the millions who lost their lives in the Great War were many Canadians who came to Europe to fight for peace.

04 November 2008

A speech by The Queen at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

The Canadian Corps transformed Vimy Ridge from a symbol of despair into a source of inspiration.

09 April 2007

Centenary of Alberta joining Confederation, Alberta Legislature, Canada, 24 May 2005

While all Albertans — and all Canadians — value this history as a colourful account of the past, we also view it as a foundation for our present and future.

24 May 2005

Farewell dinner in Alberta, Canada, 24 May 2005

I have so many vivid memories and a tremendous sense of pride in being part of the Canadian family.

24 May 2005

Federal lunch in Regina, Saskatchewan, 20 May 2005

I retain a deep affection for this great country and for the people who take such pride in saying "I am Canadian".

20 May 2005

Saskatchewan Legislature, Canada, 18 May 2005

My mother once said that this country felt like a "home away from home" for the Queen of Canada. Ladies and gentlemen, six decades later it still does...

18 May 2005

First Nations University of Regina, Saskatchew, Canada, 17 May 2005

Bearing the cipher of Queen Victoria as well as my own, this stone is presented to the First Nations University of Canada.

17 May 2005
Press release 21 September 2004

Royal visit to Canada in 2005 announced

Read more

Official commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France, 6 June 2004

The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.

06 June 2004

Ottawa, Canada, 13 October 2002

Wherever the future may take us, my admiration and affection for Canada and Canadians everywhere is - and will always remain - clear, strong and sure.

13 October 2002

Ceremony for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, 10 October 2002

I am happy to be in Hamilton today in order to present new Colours and to visit my Canadian Argylls.

10 October 2002

Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, 7 October 2002

Je chéris ma place dans la vie du Canada et mon lien avec tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes.

07 October 2002

Legislative Assembly in Nunavut, Canada, 4 October 2002

I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian Royal Family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory.

04 October 2002