OTTAWA – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP (Saanich – Gulf Islands), issued the following statement regarding Victoria Day:
“Today, we recognize the official birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“The celebration of Victoria Day is a uniquely Canadian experience; it is a celebration of the fact that Canada is a constitutional monarchy, in which our head of state is the reigning monarch. Queen Victoria was on the throne when Canada came into being, and it is to the Crown that many First Nations look for defence of early treaties.
“Victoria Day is also a chance to recognize some of the challenges we faced together to forge a country. For all Canadians, Anglophone, Francophone, and First Nations alike, we are also reminded of the next steps we need to take in our journey towards building a stronger community together. On behalf of the Green Party and myself, I wish all Canadians a happy and safe long weekend.”