Alberta lieutenant-governor and premier offer tributes to Queen Elizabeth

Alberta's lieutenant-governor, premier and the mayors of the province's two largest cities expressed condolences Thursday following the death of Queen Elizabeth.

The Queen, Canada's head of state and the longest-reigning British monarch, died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96 years old.

"Her late Majesty was a part of our shared identity as Canadians," Alberta Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani said in a statement. Lakhani acts on behalf of the Crown when the sovereign is not in Alberta.

"Her late Majesty reigned with grace, dignity and compassion. She joined Canadians in our triumphs, shared in our grief and steeled our resolve in times of trial."

Lakhani extended condolences to King Charles and to the rest of the Royal Family.

Elizabeth was 25 years old in 1952 when she began her reign over the Commonwealth. She celebrated 70 years as monarch during her Platinum Jubilee in June.

She visited Alberta six times, the last time in 2005.

Premier Jason Kenney offered his sympathies Thursday, saying the "second Elizabethan Age" has ended — a nod to words spoken by Sir Winston Churchill when her reign began.

"For almost all of us, she is the only Canadian monarch we have ever known," Kenney said in a statement. "In an ever-changing world, she was for us a bedrock of stability and continuity, a ceaselessly gracious and dignified presence in our lives.

"Today's sad news is for me and for many a terrible shock, as something permanent in our lives has given way."

Kenney added that the Queen's name will live on in Alberta on schools, buildings, streets, roadways, even mountains — the Queen Elizabeth Ranges on the southeastern side of Jasper National Park.

In a joint statement, Sarah Hoffman, the Opposition NDP deputy leader, and Nicole Goehring, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Castle Downs and Alberta's liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces, said the Queen earned the admiration and respect of Canadians.

"From her dedicated service in World War II to her heartfelt message of strength during the [COVID-19] pandemic, the Queen was a unifying voice of comfort, stability and hope through many trying times and historic moments," the statement said.

"We know she will continue to be honoured and remembered fondly for years to come."

The mayors of Alberta's two largest cities also offered respects to the Royal Family and other citizens of the Commonwealth.

"It is sad news to hear of the passing of Canada's head of state, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," said Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi in a statement.

In Calgary, which the Queen visited five times, Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed gratitude for her decades of service.

"She made a pledge about devoting her whole life to public service," Gondek said in a statement. "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has kept this promise throughout her entire reign, demonstrating an inspiring example of dedication to duty and the principles of democracy."

Sohi invited Edmontonians to pay their respects during the 10-day mourning period that begins following the Queen's death. A book of condolence and photo display will be set up at city hall.