Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
David Tilson, MP
On February 06, 2012, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, will mark the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne as Queen of Canada. We, as Canadians, have only experienced this once before with Her Majesty’s great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, in 1897. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee presents an excellent opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate Her Majesty’s remarkable life, which she has tirelessly dedicated to the service of others, and to celebrate what Canadians have achieved under her successful and extraordinary reign.
Last year, Canadians gave our Government a strong mandate to continue to support and celebrate important milestones for Canada, like the Diamond Jubilee. By supporting this most historic and significant anniversary, our Government is delivering on its commitment to reinforce our heritage through active celebration of our institutions that define who we are as Canadians. We are doing this by encouraging all Canadians to work with family, friends, and neighbours, to plan and deliver their own Diamond Jubilee celebrations to mark this momentous occasion and all things Canadian: our constitutional monarchy, the role of the Crown in Canada, our system of government, democracy, freedom, and peace. Our Government is assisting Canadians with these celebrations by making funding available for community celebrations.
Funding for Diamond Jubilee community celebrations will provide Canadians opportunities to:
- mark the 60th anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty The Queen as Queen of Canada;
- celebrate those Canadians, who, like Her Majesty, have dedicated themselves to service, to family, community and country;
- celebrate the role of the Crown in Canada as well as our traditions, history, symbols, values, and institutions;
- highlight how Canada has evolved over the past 60 years under Her Majesty's reign and look to the future of our nation; and
- enable Canadians to participate in celebrations that contribute to building a sense of pride and belonging to Canada.
Two application deadlines were established for funding applications for community celebrations during The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year in 2012. The first call for applications closed on October 31, 2021 (for events taking place between February 04, 2021 and August 31, 2021). However, the second call for applications (for activities taking place between September 01, 2021 and December 31, 2020), will be issued this spring (the application deadline will be announced). For more information on the Diamond Jubilee Funding – 2012 Community Celebrations program, please visit www.pch.gc.ca.
In addition to encouraging Canadians to host Diamond Jubilee celebrations that are most meaningful to them, Canadians who, like Her Majesty, have dedicated their lives to serve their fellow citizens, their communities, and their country, will also be honoured with a Diamond Jubilee Medal for their outstanding contributions. This will be done through a program, The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubliee Medal Program, administered by the Office of the Governor General of Canada. During the course of the celebrations over the year, 60,000 exceptional Canadians will be recognized with this very special honour. The inaugural presentation ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee Medal will take place in February 2012. For more information on The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubliee Medal Program, please visit www.gg.ca.
Our Government will also be increasing awareness for the Diamond Jubilee by providing support for:
- promotional materials for teachers, youth leaders, and local organizations to promote the Diamond Jubilee and strengthen Canadians' awareness of our institutions;
- a Diamond Jubilee Week, which will be the week beginning February 6 to coincide with Her Majesty's accession to the throne in 1952; and
- education tools, including an update of A Crown of Maples-a publication that explains the role of the Crown in Canada and our constitutional monarchy.
Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee is just one of many anniversaries Canadians will be celebrating this year as we look forward to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017. Her Majesty has consistently earned the admiration of all who have witnessed her deep commitment to public service. The Diamond Jubilee will highlight how Canada has evolved over the past 60 years under Her Majesty’s reign and our country’s very close relationship with the Royal Family. It is truly a great time to be a Canadian!