Unveiling of the Corbel of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, unveiled the sculptured corbel of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony in the Senate Foyer, on December 9, 2010. The corbel was created by Dominion Sculptor Phil White and commissioned for the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty as Queen of Canada, which will be celebrated on February 6, 2012.

The maquette of the sculptured corbel was first unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on June 30, 2010, as part of her Royal Tour of Canada.

The Governor General was joined by the Right Honourable Stephen Harper and the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Honorable Noël A. Kinsella, President of the Senate, offered welcoming remarks.

Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Minister James Moore also said a few words.

Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces, Brigadier-General Karl McLean, proceeded with a prayer of dedication. The corbel will be added to the Sovereigns’ Arches, located in front of the Senate Chamber.

The Maple Crown was played by Pipe Major Tom Brown

On this occasion, the Governor General delivered an address to parliamentarians, members of the Diamond Jubilee Committee and other distinguished guests: "The monarchy will always have a role in our society because it is part of our history. The Crown helps to define who we are, where we came from and where we are going. After our upcoming celebration of the Diamond Jubilee, our country will be anticipating another milestone, that of the 150th anniversary of Confederation, in 2017."