Alberta.

AuthorRempel, Jody
PositionLegislative Reports

Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 the Legislative Assembly of Alberta convened a special sitting on September 15 to honour her legacy. Paying homage to her 70 years of public service, Speaker Nathan M. Cooper referred to Her Majesty as an "emblem of public devotion." Following the Speaker's statement, the Government House leader requested and received the unanimous consent of the Assembly to dispense with the balance of the Daily Routine and proceed directly to Government Motion 32, which proposed that a humble address be presented to His Majesty King Charles III, expressing both the ongoing loyalty of the Assembly to the monarchy and its deep sorrow regarding the passing of Her Majesty. The speeches that followed included heartfelt statements with personal anecdotes from both Premier Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley, Leader of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Other Members contributed to the debate, adding their own stories of personal connection to the Queen, acknowledging her concern for members of the Armed Forces and their families, the unique example she set as a female head of state, her compassion for others, commitment to promoting charitable causes, and steadfast public service.

The passing of the Queen was also acknowledged by declaring September 19 as a day of mourning in the province of Alberta. That morning a memorial ceremony for Her late Majesty was held on the front steps of the Legislature Building. Attended by the Lieutenant Governor, the Premier, Members, staff, and the public, the ceremony began with a smudging and blessing delivered by Elder Bert Auger. Musical accompaniment throughout the event was provided by Pipe Major James Perry, the Royal Canadian Artillery Band under the direction of Captain Curtis Bain, and members of Edmonton's Greenwood Singers under the direction of Robert de Frece. An honour song was performed by Lloyd Cardinal, and the 41 Canadian Brigade Group closed the ceremony with a 96-gun salute.

Cabinet and Caucus Changes

On August 5, Doug Schweitzer stepped down from his position as Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, and less than a month later, on August 31, he resigned as the Member for Calgary-Elbow. His Cabinet successor, Tanya Fir, took on the portfolio on August 26. She will also maintain her previous portfolio as Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction. The seat for Calgary-Elbow will remain vacant until...

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