News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – As Queen Elizabeth II marks her 90th birthday this week, Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau is inviting New Brunswickers to celebrate this milestone in various ways during the next two months.

“Celebrations marking the Queen’s birthday begin now across the United Kingdom and here at home,” said Roy Vienneau. “We have a Book of Good Wishes available at Government House for people to sign and which we will send to Her Majesty once the celebrations come to an end in June.”

Roy Vienneau will be visiting schools and nursing homes as well as attending other community celebrations during the next several weeks.

“I know events are planned across New Brunswick,” she said. “And I encourage groups and individuals to mark this occasion in unique ways.

“Queen Elizabeth II has been with many of us all of our lives. She has always been there. Our Queen has dedicated her life to the Commonwealth, country and community, and she continues to inspire and instill pride.”

Celebrations in New Brunswick will continue with a Royal Salute to honour the Queen at noon on Victoria Day (Monday, May 23) on the banks of the St. John River near Government House (the lieutenant-governor’s official residence).

A public celebration will be held at Government House on Sunday, June 12, with a garden party.

“We will have cake, lemonade and music, and we will be asking those with a special connection to Her Majesty to help us plant rose bushes on the grounds of Government House as a tribute to the Queen,” said Roy Vienneau. “It will be New Brunswick’s chance to wish Her Majesty a very happy 90th birthday.”

Roy Vienneau also wants to hear from New Brunswickers who are celebrating 90th birthdays this year.

“I would love to meet with New Brunswickers who are reaching the same milestone this year,” she said. “I am happy to visit with them in their own communities, with their own families, to hear their stories and experiences.

“Just as Queen Elizabeth continues to inspire, so do New Brunswickers who have led rich and full lives. Their contributions are so valuable to our province, and they deserve to be celebrated as well.”

Families and individuals celebrating 90th birthdays this year may contact the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor by telephone at 506-453-2505 or by email at [email protected].

“When my husband and I visited with Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace last summer, she told us how much she loves Canada and New Brunswick,” said Roy Vienneau. “So, marking her 90th birthday is the least we can do to honour the Crown in Canada and the woman who is our Queen.”