How to write in Queen Elizabeth II’s book of condolences in Alberta

The provincial government is ensuring Albertans have an opportunity to offer their condolences to the royal family on Thursday’s death of Queen Elizabeth II.

“For many of us, Her Majesty is the only monarch we have ever known, which is essential to our identity as Albertans and Canadians. At this time of grief, let us come together to express our sympathy and support for the Royal Family, whose devastating loss we share,” Premier Jason Kenney said in a statement.

Condolences are being collected online by the Alberta government. The messages are moderated and published on the same page.

Books of condolence will also be set up across the province for those who prefer:

Big Prairie	Grande Prairie Provincial Building, 10320 99 Street	Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
Fort McMurray	Fort McMurray Provincial Building, 9915 Franklin Ave	Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
Edmonton	Alberta Legislature, 10800 97 Avenue NW	Weekdays and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
	Government Building, 12845 102 Avenue NW	Weekdays and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
deer	Red Deer Provincial Building, 4920 51 Street	Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
Calgary	McDougall Centre, 455 6th Street SW	Weekdays and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
medicine hat	Medicine Hat Provincial Building, 346 3rd Street SE	Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
lethbridge	Lethbridge Provincial Building, 200 5th Avenue S	Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

NO FLOWERS

The public has been asked not to bring flowers to place in public buildings as they are being removed for security reasons.

The Government said that instead of flowers, Albertans could consider making a donation to one of the Queen’s favorite Canadian charities, the Canadian Red Cross Society or the Canadian Cancer Society.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

According to the provincial government, memorial services will be organized across the Commonwealth.

These details are not finalized yet. But if they are, the Alberta government said it would share how the public could watch or participate.

“She’s done so much”

Brian Lowes said he felt compelled to sign the book of condolences on Friday after an “emotional” and “sad day” on Thursday.

“We all knew it was going to happen and we wished it wouldn’t happen, but of course it did,” Lowes said.

When he was just nine years old, Lowes recalled hearing over his family’s radio that she had given birth to what is now King Charles III.

“I tied my shoes,” he added.

In 1963 Lowes received a cable from the Queen, sent on her behalf by her private secretary, thanking him for organizing and taking part in a youth run in north-east England. He brought this framed letter with him when he wrote his condolence message.

“It’s been hidden for years,” Lowes said. “I was like, no, I can’t let this happen without giving everyone a message about my feelings.”

He wrote that Queen Elizabeth II was “one of a kind” and would never be forgotten for her duty.

“To me, she has done so much for the country in 70 years, how can one not celebrate[her reign],” Lowes told CTV News Edmonton.

Samantha Lavin said she wanted to share her loving memories of the Queen to mourn.

“I have always had great respect for the Queen for her duty to her country and to other countries,” said Lavin. “I cried a lot yesterday. I will miss the Queen.”

Lavin shared how she always looked forward to seeing her outfits and seeing the wisdom she had to offer during speeches.

“She always dresses absolutely beautifully,” Lavin added. “When things change and the currency changes, it gets weird.”

As a child, Lavin had the opportunity to dance for the Queen during her Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977. During Her Majesty’s Gold Jubilee, Lavin traveled to London with her children to attend the celebrations.

“We waved to the carriage,” Lavin said. “There are many personal memories for me.”

“I wanted to honor her, and I wanted to make sure there were some words somewhere in the archives from one of her subjects that said she was my queen.”

With files from Nahreman Issa of CTV News Edmonton