QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATED

Saskatchewan is celebrating the Queen's 2002 Golden Jubilee year in style.



Premier Lorne Calvert has launched the province's program honouring the

Queen's 50 years on the throne in an event at Government House.



The Premier announced two primary initiatives honouring the Queen's Golden

Jubilee. First is the distribution of up to 5,000 portraits of the Queen

to schools, libraries, First Nations, RCMP detachments and other public

buildings throughout the province. The portraits were provided by the

federal Department of Canadian Heritage and framed by the Province of

Saskatchewan.



The second initiative is a bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II on her

favourite horse, Burmese. Saskatchewan sculptor Susan Velder has been

commissioned to create the statue, to be placed on the grounds of the

Legislative Building.



"Both initiatives show the deep respect Saskatchewan residents hold for Her

Majesty," Calvert said. "Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and our ties

with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family help us understand our

heritage and celebrate our pride in the past."



Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock said she is "delighted Saskatchewan is

embracing this milestone anniversary with such universally popular legacy

projects."



The Saskatchewan Committee for the Queen's Golden Jubilee will identify and

announce other initiatives over the next few months. Lieutenant Governor

Haverstock is honourary chairperson for the committee, composed of

representatives from the provincial government, the RCMP, the Royal

Canadian Legion, H.M.C.S. Queen, the Canadian Club of Regina, the Royal

Regina Rifles, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, 15 Wing Moose

Jaw, the Monarchist League of Canada and the Department of Canadian

Heritage.



The committee will work with the Department of Canadian Heritage and the

other provinces on the jubilee initiatives.



Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne February 6th, 1952. Her coronation

took place in June, 1953.



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For more information, contact:



Wendy Campbell

Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-8008