Queen Elizabeth II Highway

[cakadu]

Linda, the trip to Ft Mac. is on the government jet and don't you think that Boutillier takes it home on the weekends anyway ? Our provincial fleet of aircraft is costing us several million a year whether they fly or not so they may as well be in the air.
I view the centennial and all associated costs as part of our opportunity to enjoy and celebrate our marvelous province. Every little community across AB. has some sort of celebration going on this year, and also many provincially funded projects are on the 'go' across the province that will add or enhance facilities for years to come.

The address tomorrow at the Legislature is history in the making, marking the first time a reigning monarch has addressed a provincial legislature during session.
Boutillier and Melchin will be off with Prince Philip but Peter Lougheed and Don Getty will be sitting in their seats, Helen Hunley, the only living former Lt Governor is going to be attending as well. It is a happy time for AB., and we do have a lot to celebrate here.
I guess if we were throwing a lot of money around and really couldn't afford it I would have a different view. But, what the heck, its once in 100 years...
its good for the young folks and many of them will have this memory in mind when the 150 year celebrations are held.

[cakadu]

farmers_son, I neglected to mention that you and I may not agree on politics but we do agree on the monarchy.
Sooner or later we may even agree on politics.....!!!!

[cakadu]

So Emrald, are you going to be partaking in anything regal whilst the Queen is here?

I'm not especially fond of big crowds so watching on the telly will be good enough for me.

I am ambivalent about whether the money is well spent. I can agree on all your points and think that there is some real significance to all of this. Certainly when the province's 150th birthday rolls around we will be visited by a king, which one remains to be seen. What would make me happier is to see a similar amount spent on things that we really need like adequate care for seniors, a few less hungry children etc.

For now though, let's celebrate!!

[cakadu]

Good points Linda, but remember many of our seniors came from a time when royalty was very special so they too are likely enjoying watching all the celebrations .
My only near encounter with the Queen is wending my way down Stony Plain Rd. bright and early tomorrow AM so as to get past the Museum prior to the road blocks going up. Only one lane traffic both ways after 7:00AM until 2:00 PM. !!!
Just watched the official welcome to Edmonton on TV, rain really spoiled a lot of it. Some of the entertainment wasn't able to perform to their best because of wet stages etc.
Ian Tyson's performance was not aired because his contract would not allow it....
Ralph and Colleen Klein looked pretty dapper and chic riding in the antique car. I think that this will be his swan song but I could be very very wrong.

[cropduster]

Emerald....reread your post.......we are not servants then we are,which is it????I know you`re trying to address different subjects but why don`t you just say you hate Americans and love the Queen.Thats what I`m getting.....I`m not saying you have to LOVE either simply be respectful of the MORE successful!!!!Sure is amazing how some people could/can/did build a world power from nothing.Sounds more to me like these poor little jealous Canucks can only throw negative criticisms rather than get off their duffs and be successful too!!!!Waaahhh WWaaahhh.

[cropduster]

I said that the Queen is a figurehead. We are not subservient to any nation, or ruler. However, having said that everyone with one ounce of intelligence should realize that if the US decides to test missiles over our air space they will regardless of what Martin says does.
Any insinuation that I hate Americans is wrong and I certainly resent it. You will never see me say I hate any nation, I may dislike the actions of some leaders including our own but I do not hate them.

Please do not put words in my mouth !

[cakadu]

Emrald - it was a shame that rain spoiled so much of the festivities today. You would have thought that organizers would have covered the entire stage the way they did at the back. After all, this is Alberta and there very well could have been 6 inches of snow on the stage. Mind you, I suppose it might have been easier to get rid of than the rain. Still you have to give kudos to those hearty souls who did brave the weather to catch a glimpse of royalty.

With any luck, this will be Ralph's swan song.

[farmers_son]

Emrald1: I don't know if this is Ralph's swan song. This is the official start of Alberta's birthday celebrations and I think Ralph will be a big part of that. After that maybe.

However, I do not think the Queen will be back in Canada. Could be wrong about that but that is my sense as I believe Queen Elizabeth is 78 years old. The Queen Mother lived to be 100 but certainly people have to slow down as age catches up to everyone.

[farmers_son]

farmers_son, I think you are probably right . This trip must be gruelling for the Queen. It is amazing to see how much stamina she has. She certainly doesn't have time between engagements to have a cat nap back in her hotel.
I think that Ralph will decide to step aside this fall.....he didn't seem overly enthusiastic yesterday....looks like he is putting in time. I could be wrong though, but to many of us who have watched him since he came on the scene this is not the old Ralph.

[farmers_son]

Heard today that the cost of the Queen's visit was approximately 2 million, or about 6 cents per Canadian.


Compared to the sponsorship mess, I would say that I got my 6 cents worth, just looking at the smiles on people's faces when they got a glipse of her.