- Bronze statue pays tribute to Her Late Majesty’s contribution to Ontario
TORONTO, Canada – The Ontario government has installed a commemorative statue to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and Her Late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth.
The statue is located next to the Visitors’ entrance at the Legislative Building at Queen’s Park.
“For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II put service before self and was a constant presence that people around the world looked to for comfort and strength,” said premier Doug Ford. “This statue stands not only as a tribute to the late Queen and her many contributions to Canada and Ontario, but as an enduring symbol of our traditions, values and democracy.”
The statue is a commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s lifetime of personal service as Queen and is an important contribution to Ontario’s history and heritage. It also provides learning opportunities for Ontarians and visitors of the Legislative Building, today and for future generations.
“For more than 70 years, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made significant contributions to the quality of our national character and the complexion of civic life in Canada, putting duty before desire and service above self. Throughout times of great change and uncertainty, she was always a source of strength and stability,” said the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “I hope this statue will encourage everyone who passes by to think about Her Late Majesty’s remarkable life of service, and about how the values she upheld can help us bring forth the future we wish to see.”
“Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a strong leader who advocated for basic human rights, freedom and self-governance,” said Paul Calandra, minister of legislative affairs. “As the longest-serving head of state, we are recognizing and paying tribute to Her Late Majesty’s service and what it represents in Canadian history.”
The statue was designed and hand-sculpted by noted Canadian sculptor and artist, Ruth Abernethy, and cast by Mississauga art foundry MST Bronze Limited. It depicts Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 on the throne in the Canadian Senate, where she delivered a speech on Canadian unity.
Source: Premier’s Office