Ottawa, Ontario, Tuesday, December 18, 2012

As governor general of Canada—and as a resident of the City of Ottawa—I am delighted to be here today for this commemoration.

The year 2012 has been a time of notable milestones, and without a doubt one of the happiest for Canada and for all Commonwealth nations has been Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

This occasion has given us an opportunity to thank Her Majesty for the role she plays as Queen of Canada, and I, in turn, would like to thank all those who joined in the festivities. That includes many residents of Ottawa, who have always been so supportive of The Queen and her representatives.

The Diamond Jubilee is cause for celebration, and the commemoration of a park in Canada’s capital city is a very fitting tribute to The Queen’s six decades of dedication and service to our country.

This is particularly true given Her Majesty’s love of green spaces and the outdoors. Anyone who has spent any time in London, England, knows that the city has an extraordinary network of Royal Parks—a wonderful legacy of the Royal Family. There are eight in total, amounting to some 5,000 acres.

The Royal Parks are of inestimable value to the people who live in and visit London. They are oases in the capital, much like the park in Findlay Creek that we dedicate today.

For so many people, a city park is a refuge for enjoyment, exploration and outdoor activity. Our parks are important community spaces, accessible to everyone for play, for gatherings, for relaxation and reflection.

My wife, Sharon, and I are strong believers in the value of physical activity, and green spaces are necessary venues for healthy living.

I would like to thank all those who have worked together on the commemoration of Diamond Jubilee Park. Yours is a lasting contribution to our city.

Thank you.