As the Commonwealth celebrates the history-making coronation of King Charles III, Canada marked the occasion with a ceremony that had a concerted focus on hope for the future, centred around key shared priorities of the Crown and Canada: the environment, service to others, and Indigenous reconciliation.
While not a national holiday in Canada, as the ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey winded down, commemoration events in the nation’s capital got underway, with an hour-long celebration in that included a series of musical and artistic performances as well as special unveilings.
Beginning at 10 a.m. EDT at the Sir John A. Macdonald building on Wellington St. in Ottawa, the event began with powerful remarks from Albert Dumont, Ottawa’s poet laureate and an Algonquin spiritual advisor, who also took part in the Canadian commemoration to Queen Elizabeth II eight months ago.
In his remarks, Dumont spoke directly about the impact of the Crown on Indigenous people, while voicing some hope for the future.
“From the eastern sky, a new dawn enters Indigenous sacred land. The memories of the oldest pines rise to greet its shimmering light. The trees sway joyfully in remembrance of a happy time long ago, before the power of the British sword destroyed the tranquility of gentle Turtle Island,” he said. “A new day, showing itself on the horizon, bringing forth the heart of an honorable human being, who steps forward.”
As he concluded, a drum beat swelled as Algonquin group Eagle River Singers performed an honour song.
This is the first coronation to take place in 70 years, since Queen Elizabeth II’s ceremony in 1953. As a constitutional monarchy, Canada has proclaimed King Charles the head of state.
In her address to the Canadian crowd, aerospace engineer and champion of volunteerism Farah Alibay spoke about the value of community, generosity, small acts of kindness and empathy, while noting now meaningful it was to speak as a woman, the daughter of Indian immigrants, and as a queer person.
“The world is evolving, becoming more inclusive, and we are continuing to learn from the more difficult parts of our history. It is therefore with optimism and humility, that I have come to share this moment with you,” said Alibay, who spoke about her experiences both growing up in Montreal, and then moving to England.
“The future is built by all of us, working together, supporting each other and sharing. This concept of service and community isn’t unique to my family. It is one that is shared across Canada and the Commonwealth,” she said.
SYMBOLISM STITCHED IN TO CANADA’S CORONATION EVENT
Saturday’s celebrations were attended by prominent Canadians, past Order of Canada recipients, and supporters of causes considered important to the King.
Dignitaries from the Table of Precedence for Canada, including members of the King’s Privy Council for Canada were also present, including Privy Council President and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair, Seniors Minister Kamal Khera, and Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen.
Speakers of the House of Commons and Senate, former governors general Michaëlle Jean and David Johnston, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories Margaret Thom, and a few dozen other current and former federal politicians were there, too.
As were the high commissioners of commonwealth nations including the United Kingdom, India, New Zealand, Australia, Bahamas, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
Assistant deputy minister of sport at Canadian Heritage Emmanuelle Sajous, and director of machinery of government at the Privy Council Office Donald Booth emceed the event.
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc later delivered an address on behalf of the Government of Canada.
“Canada has a long and rich relationship with the Crown. From our beginnings as a French colony, to today. The monarchy has been an integral part of our institutions and our identity,” said LeBlanc. “The coronation of a sovereign is a high watermark in that relationship.
“Millions of Canadians are witnessing the coronation of Canada’s sovereign for the first time, in a country that is radically different from the one that witnessed the last coronation, ” LeBlanc said.
“But as Canada evolves, so do its institutions, and so does the monarchy. Today we will witness an event steeped in the traditions dating back to the Middle Ages. But tradition is not an impediment to modernity. By looking to the past, we can better understand our present and witness how we have progressed as a nation. It enables us to look to the future with optimism.”
The celebration also included the singing of O Canada by the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir, and an “optimistic and triumphant” instrumental interlude by Prince Edward Island music group Inn Echo.
Slam poet Sabrina Benaim performed a piece called “To A Dreamer In A Modern World” and singer–songwriter Florence K performed a musical interlude. Both of these artists have a history of advocating for openness about mental health through their work.
A performance of the royal anthem by the Central Band of the Canadian Forces Serenade of Strings highlighted “the King’s life-long connection to the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Ottawa’s celebrations concluded with a 21-gun salute by the 30 Field Artillery Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery, on Parliament Hill.
Books of congratulations were available for attendees to sign at the ceremony, and guests were invited to attend an intimate reception afterwards. Muralist Dominic Laporte produced a work of art live throughout the event.
The event in the parliamentary precinct took place alongside free activities for families at Rideau Hall.
Over the weekend, the Peace Tower as well as other federal buildings in Canada’s capital region will be lit emerald green in honour of the occasion.
KEY UNVEILINGS, NEW COIN AND BILL DESIGNS COMING
During the ceremony, a series of notable unveilings occurred.
Canada Post unveiled the new definitive stamp with an image of King Charles III to mark the coronation, continuing the 170 years of tradition of issuing stamps featuring Canadian monarchs. The new stamp features a portrait of the then-Prince of Wales, taken by photographer Alan Shawcross.
The Canadian Heraldic Authority revealed updated emblems to represent the change of reign approved by King Charles III: a new royal crown and royal flag.
The new Canadian royal crown features stylized maple leaves, and a wavy blue line meant to represent this country’s waterways. The design also is meant to offer a nod to Indigenous teachings.
The new flag of the sovereign is a rectangular representation of Canada’s shield of the coat of arms and also features maple leaves, as well as the royal emblems of the U.K. and France.
The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a new collector commemorative pure gold and silver coin set that features the royal cypher, King Charles III’s personal monogram. These coins retail for between $34.95 and $4,199.95 and are only available while supplies last given the limited mintage.
The federal government also used the occasion to announce—keeping up with the tradition of the reigning monarch appearing on Canadian coins since the Royal Canadian Mint began production in 1908—that the Mint will design and place an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III on Canadian circulation coins.
The Bank of Canada will also be replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on the $20 bank note with King Charles III “during the next design process.”
‘LONG MAY HE REIGN’: CANADA’S CONTRIBUTIONS IN LONDON AND BEYOND
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and a delegation including Indigenous and youth leaders took part in King Charles’ coronation in London. Canada’s delegation also included Canada’s flag bearer astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
In a statement congratulating His Majesty, Simon noted that while so much has changed in the 70 years since the last coronation, including the Crown, “it continues to be an anchor for our robust and stable democracy and our diverse country.”
“As we mark this wonderful occasion, I invite all Canadians to look back on the country we were, celebrate the country we have become, and engage in conversations about the country we want to be. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate Their Majesties on this auspicious occasion. I look forward to continuing to support our Sovereign in his important work,” Simon said. “Long may he reign.”
Following the coronation ceremony in London, Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau had plans to attend a reception held by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, James Cleverly. Also on Trudeau’s itinerary before heading home are meetings with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak.
“Today, we ring in the reign of His Majesty King Charles III and reaffirm Canada’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us be reminded of our shared values of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights as we work together to build a better future for all members of the Commonwealth,” Trudeau said in a statement.
Trudeau said Saturday in recognition of King Charles III’s “longstanding commitment to environmental protection and conservation” Canada will donate $100,000 to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Five RCMP Musical Ride members participated in the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, and a contingent of 45 Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Special Operations Command, and the Royal Military College members took part in the coronation military parade.
In addition to Saturday’s events, Canadian Heritage through the Canada History Fund is providing $275,000 to the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to help develop learning materials commemorating King Charles III’s coronation and highlighting priority areas for Canada: the environment and Indigenous reconciliation.
Trudeau had previously announced Canada will award 30,000 coronation medals in the coming months to Canadians who have made “significant contributions to the country, a province, territory, region or community, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.”
VANCOUVER – Environment Canada is warning that a “bomb cyclone” is expected to bring powerful winds to most of Vancouver Island and the B.C. coast, with hurricane-force gusts of 120 km/h predicted for some areas this week.
The weather agency has issued more than a dozen warnings for coastal areas, saying the peak wind speeds are expected Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Areas expected to be hit hardest include northern Vancouver Island and the north and central coasts, but gusts of up to 100 km/h are also forecast for heavily populated centres including Victoria and the Sunshine Coast.
The warnings stretch from Prince Rupert in the north to the southern tip of Vancouver Island, while Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are the subject of a special weather statement.
The statement says residents should be prepared for power outages, downed trees and travel delays brought by what it calls a “significant fall storm.”
Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor says a bomb cyclone is caused by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure at the centre of a storm.
“Typically, with these bomb cyclones, we need a lot of cold air loss in the atmosphere to really eject itself into the low pressure centre, which really helps to deepen them, or helps them to explode,” he said in an interview Monday. “Typically, with this kind of storm, the key phenomena is going to be the wind associated.”
Environment Canada says the storm will develop about 400 kilometres off the coast of Vancouver Island on Tuesday, bringing high winds and heavy rain that afternoon.
Proctor said the storm will likely have the most impact on the west side of Vancouver Island and the central coast.
Matt MacDonald, the lead forecaster for the BC Wildfire Service, says in a social media post that models show B.C. coastal inlets could bring “hurricane force” winds and there may be waves of up to nine metres off Washington and Oregon’s coasts.
Proctor said he wouldn’t be surprised to see those kinds of conditions on B.C.’s coast.
“That would be fairly typical for this kind of track,” he said in an interview.
However, he said that would depend on the track of the low pressure centre and how close to Vancouver Island it comes in before it starts “hooking” northward.
BC Ferries said in a statement Monday that it is “closely monitoring the weather situation” and is in contact with Environment Canada.
While it initially said sailings were expected to proceed as scheduled, a later statement said that it would be providing updates on Tuesday about potential delays or cancellations.
“Our goal is to keep people moving without interruption wherever possible, and to keep our passengers informed as things change,” it said. “In the event of significant disruptions, we will work to reschedule travel or reroute passengers to the next available sailing.”
Electric utility BC Hydro said it has been monitoring the system “very closely” since last week, noting it has a “team of in-house meteorologists that track all weather events” to ensure it has crews and equipment in the right places when storms hit.
“We’re prepared for tomorrow’s storm and are ramping up crews – both BC Hydro crews and contractor crews,” it said in a statement Monday.
A La Nina winter is expected for B.C., and Proctor said the creation of bomb cyclones are amplified under those conditions, when ocean temperatures are cooler than normal.
He said the province should brace for similar storms, though not of the same magnitude.
“We’re really setting up for a fairly typical late fall, if I can put it that way, once we get past this big event of this bomb cyclone,” he said.
The bomb cyclone warnings come after a lightning storm overnight and early Monday covered parts of Metro Vancouver in hail.
B.C. has been hit by a series of powerful fall storms, including an atmospheric river that caused flash flooding in Metro Vancouver in mid-October.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada said in a news release last week that the October storm caused $110 million in insured damage claims, which prompted it to renew calls for the federal government to “fully fund” the National Flood Insurance Program.
It said insured losses related to severe weather in Canada now routinely exceed $3 billion annually and a new record has been set this year, reaching more than $7.7 billion.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2024.
VICTORIA – Premier David Eby says “kitchen table” issues in British Columbia will be the focus for his revamped, postelection cabinet that was sworn in on Monday.
Eby’s new cabinet, comprising 23 ministers and four ministers of state, features a mix of new and familiar faces elected in last month’s narrow one-seat New Democrat election win.
“The things that concern your family around the kitchen table are going to be the issues that concern our team around the cabinet table,” he said after the cabinet introduction ceremony at government house.
“Ours will be a government that listens and ours will be a government that delivers,” said Eby, adding “that was the message that people sent us here to do this job in this recent election.”
“That is something every one of these members and everyone who was elected is going to carry with them in the work they do over the next four years,” he said.
He said the priorities for the new cabinet and the NDP government will include good paying jobs, family doctors for everybody, safe communities and affordable homes.
Eby shuffled veteran ministers Adrian Dix and Mike Farnworth and introduced to cabinet several newly elected members of the legislature.
Dix, the longtime health minister who guided the province through the COVID-19 pandemic, was moved to energy and climate solutions, while Josie Osborne, a two-term MLA and a former mayor of Tofino, will take on health.
Eby said Dix was moved to energy and climate solutions because of his track record of success.
“I need someone who can deliver and Adrian is that minister,” Eby said at a news conference. “It’s critically important for our government.”
Dix will be tasked with ensuring B.C. develops its clean energy systems and markets, he said.
Osborne said as a resident and a former mayor of a rural community, she understood the health-care needs of people outside B.C.’s urban areas.
“Everybody deserves access to health care,” said Osborne, acknowledging that many rural B.C. communities have concerns about recurring hospital emergency department closures. “I hear you. I see you.”
Farnworth, B.C.’s veteran solicitor general and public safety minister, was moved out of those portfolios and into transportation and transit, and will also serve as NDP house leader.
Garry Begg, a former RCMP officer, got one of the biggest cheers when he was introduced by Eby as the new solicitor general and public safety minister, elevating him from the backbench to cabinet.
Eby introduced Begg by the nickname “Landslide” in a nod to his wafer-thin 21-vote victory in Surrey that secured the government its one-seat majority.
Brenda Bailey, the former jobs minister and a Vancouver businesswoman, moves into the crucial finance portfolio.
Newly elected MLAs also featured in the cabinet, with former broadcaster Randene Neill becoming minister of land, water and resource management, and Vancouver Police Department veteran Terry Yung named minister of state for community safety.
Among the senior cabinet ministers who kept their jobs were Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon and Attorney General Niki Sharma, whose first duty upon being reappointed was accepting the Great Seal of British Columbia from Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin.
Austin opened Monday’s swearing-in ceremony by paying tribute to former premier John Horgan, who died of thyroid cancer last week.
She called Horgan “a fine man” who loved B.C., and said she would miss his “dad jokes” and “corny” sense of humour.
Eby said after the ceremony that his team would make affordability a priority issue.
“(For) those families hit hard by inflation and rising costs, our focus will be on controlling your costs, supporting you with the cost of everything from housing to car insurance and delivering a middle-income tax cut to support you and your family in these challenging times,” he said.
During the campaign, Eby promised a $1,000 tax cut for the average family, starting next year and benefiting 90 per cent of British Columbians.
Eby faced the challenge of filling the cabinet from a caucus reduced to 47 members in the Oct. 19 election, which gave the NDP the narrowest of majorities in the 93-seat legislature.
Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Mike Bernier, who ran unsuccessfully as an Independent last month in his Dawson Creek-area riding, said Eby had to find ways to bring rural representation into the cabinet even though most of his members were from Metro Vancouver or Vancouver Island.
Brittny Anderson, who won in Kootenay-Central, helped fulfil that goal, being appointed minister of state for local government and rural communities.
Energy and mining were carved into two separate portfolios, with Jagrup Brar taking on the latter, now renamed mining and critical minerals.
“We have two separate ministries dedicated to major economic growth sectors for us,” Eby said.
The legislature’s youngest MLA, Ravi Parmar, entered cabinet as forests minister.
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad said Eby had been invisible when it comes to rural B.C., and he and his 44-member caucus were looking forward to holding the government to account on numerous issues.
Green Leader Sonia Furstenau said in a statement the party was pleased Eby appointed a cabinet with a strong representation of women in leadership roles and a female majority.
“We are particularly pleased to see Niki Sharma appointed as deputy premier and Attorney General, Tamara Davidson as Minister of Environment and Parks, and Bailey as Minister of Finance,” she said. These critical roles will have a significant impact on shaping the future of British Columbia.”
Eby said the NDP government continued to negotiate will the Greens about how the party’s two elected members could work with the government.
“I hope British Columbians see in this cabinet an experienced team that’s going to be focused on the priorities they sent us to Victoria to address,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2024.
VANCOUVER – Prince Harry is in Vancouver for the launch of a campaign to raise awareness of the Invictus Games among children and youth, one day after surprising Canadian football fans by appearing at the Grey Cup in the city.
The prince visited Vancouver-area elementary and high school students at Seaforth Armoury.
The visit comes as the Invictus Games launches a lessons program for students from kindergarten to Grade 12, making educational resources on the event’s history and purpose available online.
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games for wounded, injured and sick veterans and other service personnel about a decade ago, and the games will next be held in Vancouver and Whistler in February.
After meeting the students and engaging in a short game of sitting volleyball on the floor of the armoury, Prince Harry told the crowd the school program could help the Invictus Games “go even wider” and “into schools in Canada and hopefully around the world.”
The prince made a surprise appearance at the Grey Cup game at BC Place Stadium on Sunday, waving to the crowd and giving an interview before joining B.C. Lions owner Amar Doman on the field.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2024.
