Latest news with #MusicalRide
Calgary Herald
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Calgary Stampede welcomes RCMP Musical Ride
Article content At precisely 2:30 p.m., 16 horses, dark and polished, canter into the arena at the Nutrien Westen Event Centre, their gait synchronized and demeanour calm. On each horse sits an RCMP soldier, each wielding a lance. Article content For the next 30 minutes, the horses and their riders perform a series of extravagant choreography, moving in tandem, criss-crossing seamlessly to the 'aahs' and 'oooohs' of an appreciative audience. Article content Article content Article content Saturday marked the second day of the RCMP's Musical Ride tour in Alberta. Article content Article content 'And in front of a sold-out crowd. It will certainly create good energy for the team.' Article content A tradition dating back to the 1800s, the RCMP Musical Ride has become a 'very big piece of Canadian identity and RCMP identity,' said Williamson. Article content Each year, selected RCMP members tour two provinces and put on a choreographed dance, to only Canadian music, of course, with horses specially bred by the RCMP and then trained for years. Article content This year, the troupe chose to tour Ontario and Alberta, beginning their tour at the Calgary Stampede, where they'll perform Sunday, and again from July 8-13. Article content The Musical Ride comes to the Stampede at a time when the RCMP's future in Alberta grows precarious. Article content Article content The Alberta government has mused about the creation of a provincial police force that would replace the RCMP. On Wednesday, Premier Danielle Smith announced the launch of the Alberta's Sheriff Police Force, a provincial police agency to service municipalities. Article content Smith insisted the new force won't replace the RCMP but instead work alongside them, although municipalities would have the option to choose the new service as its primary police force once operational. Article content Dan Barron said he and his wife have seen the Musical Ride several times at rodeos in Alberta and Manitoba. Article content 'It's part of the experience of coming to a Stampede,' he said, describing the RCMP as 'Canadian history.' Article content The new provincial police force will add to the RCMP's presence, he said. Article content 'There'll just be more. Which sometimes is better.' Article content The choreography at Saturday's Musical Ride appears simple — at first. The horses prance across the Nutrien Western Event Centre ring in a line, curving away from each other at either end of the field. Horse and rider cross each other, marking the shape of an X — 'That's a very popular movement,' said Williamson.
Cision Canada
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
The Duke of Edinburgh celebrates Canada Day with the Musical Ride Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - For a second time this year, the RCMP's Musical Ride was honoured to host a member of the British Royal Family. On July 1 st, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Musical Ride stables for a series of commemorative events. He inspected the Musical Ride troop, received a ceremonial pair of riding boots, then met an 11-week-old RCMP foal. The foal was named Balmoral in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite Scottish castle. During his visit, the Duke also received a Long Service Medal, an honour awarded to RCMP Regular Members of irreproachable character who have completed a minimum of 20 years service. He received the Long Service Medal because he has been an Honorary Deputy Commissioners of the RCMP since 2007. In accordance with custom and precedent, members of the Royal Family who serve in honorary appointments are deemed to meet all Long Service Medal qualifying criteria, including the service required, upon appointment. "We were extremely pleased to spend Canada's national holiday with the Duke of Edinburgh. His presence at the Musical Ride stables gave the whole troop and all our support staff a strong sense of patriotic pride," said Superintendent Sébastien Brillon, Officer in Charge of the Musical Ride and Heritage Branch. For 130 years, the RCMP and the Musical Ride in particular have shared many special moments with the Royal Family. This includes a mutual exchange of horses that began in 1969, escorting Royal Family members during official visits to Canada, participating in coronations dating back to 1902, as well as participating in Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, leading her funeral procession in 2022 and participating in the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023. On May 27, when King Charles III read the Speech from the Throne to open Canada's 45 th Parliament, the RCMP was proud to escort the King and Queen Camilla to the Senate Building in Ottawa. "The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is proud of our longstanding relationship with the Crown. We're honoured to have hosted His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the Musical Ride Stables, adding another meaningful chapter to this historic relationship," said RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, who greeted the Duke of Edinburgh when he arrived at the stables and escorted him throughout the visit. The Musical Ride tour Over the summer, the Musical Ride will be touring Ontario, Alberta, Quebec and the Northwest Territories. Visit the Musical Ride Tour Schedule to find an event happening near you. Quick facts The Royal Family and the RCMP The RCMP's relationship with the Royal Family began in 1897 when members of the North-West Mounted Police paraded for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in London, England. In 1904, King Edward VII conferred the title of Royal to the organization, which created the Royal North-West Mounted Police. In the century-plus since these events, the RCMP - and the Musical Ride - has shared a special bond with the Royal Family, specifically with the late Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen expressed particular interest in the RCMP officers on parade during her father's coronation as King George VI. During the late Queen Elizabeth II's reign, the RCMP presented her with eight horses: Burmese (1969), Centenial (1973), James (1998), George (2009), Elizabeth (2012), Sir John (2016), and Kluane and Darby (2019). On September 19, 2022, five members of the RCMP Musical Ride led the funeral procession for Queen Elizabeth II in London, England, at her request. Four of the members were mounted on former Musical Ride horses that had been presented as gifts from the RCMP during her reign. On May 27, 2025, the RCMP provided a special Royal Escort to Their Majesties from the Bank of Canada to the Senate Building where The King participated in the opening of Canada's 45 th Parliament. It included 24 horses and members from the Musical Ride, including two pulling the Box Driven Landau, one of the carriages used for state events. The escort was joined by an RCMP Guidon party proudly flying our Regimental Colour. This tradition of gifting horses continued in 2023 when the RCMP gifted King Charles III a horse named Noble, in recognition of the RCMP's 150th anniversary. The RCMP has had a direct and personal link to The King, who has been an Honorary RCMP Commissioner since 2012 and recently became our Commissioner-in-Chief.
Cision Canada
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Media advisory - Governor General to attend RCMP Sunset Ceremonies Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, will participate as a guest of honour in the annual Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sunset Ceremonies performed by the Musical Ride. Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: RCMP Musical Ride Headquarters, 1 Sandridge Road, Ottawa, ON (outdoors) OPEN TO MEDIA Notes for media: To guarantee your access to the ceremony you must confirm your name and news outlet with the RCMP's media relations team at [email protected]. Photos taken by the Governor General's official photographer can be made available upon request. Canadian Sunset Ceremonies | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Province
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Province
‘The True North is indeed strong and free!': Throne speech read by King Charles III sparks rounds of applause
Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the opening of the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada at the Senate of Canada in Ottawa on May 27, 2025. Photo by VICTORIA JONES / POOL/AFP via Getty Images OTTAWA — King Charles III concluded a historic address in Ottawa on Tuesday by quoting words of the Canadian anthem. 'The True North is indeed strong and free!' he said, sparking rounds of applause. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors King Charles opened the 45th Parliament with the speech from the throne, laying out the government's agenda and giving Canadian sovereignty a boost in the midst of a trade war with the United States. It is the first time a Canadian monarch has done so since Queen Elizabeth read the speech from the throne in 1977. On Tuesday morning, King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to the Senate building in a carriage drawn by 28 horses from the RCMP's Musical Ride. King Charles then received full military honours, including a 100-person guard of honour and a 21-gun salute. 'It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope,' he told the attendees gathered in the Senate for the occasion. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Attendees included former prime ministers including Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper, who sat next to each other, as well as Mila Mulroney, the widow of Brian Mulroney. Trudeau was joined by his mother, Margaret Trudeau, wife of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau. Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and Former Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper converse ahead of an appearance by King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the State Opening of Parliament in Ottawa. Photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images The guests also included premiers Wab Kinew and Susan Holt, former governors general David Johnston, Adrienne Clarkson and Michaëlle Jean, seven justices from the Supreme Court of Canada and viceregal representatives from the provinces and territories. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was also present with his wife Anaida. King Charles said this is his twentieth visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and his first since he became King. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'As I have said before, 'Every time I come to Canada… a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream — and from there straight to my heart,'' he said. 'I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians,' he added. Throne speech full text: Read what King Charles III said about Canada's sovereignty King Charles noted it has been nearly seventy years since his own mother first opened Parliament — in 1957 — and said that Canada has since 'dramatically changed' by repatriating its Constitution and achieving 'full independence.' 'Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. King Charles said the Crown has 'for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada' and 'represents stability and continuity from the past to the present.' 'As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism,' he said. As expected, the contents of the speech from the throne encapsulated many of the recurring themes that Prime Minister Mark Carney has been repeating in the months since he became leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and now since he was elected prime minister. King Charles said the new session of Parliament is an 'opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War' and that 'Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Britain's King Charles III reads his speech from the throne to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada in Ottawa. Photo by BEN STANSALL / POOL/AFP via Getty Images He said both Canada and the United States have begun discussions for a new economic and security relationship 'to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations', while at the same time, Canada is creating new economic alliances with dependable partners and allies. He also laid out many of the Liberal government's promises, including a middle-class tax cut which is expected to save a family of four up to $840 a year, and cutting the GST on homes of $1 million or less for first-time homebuyers and lowering the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. The speech read by King Charles also included a promise to create 'one Canadian economy' by removing internal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility. The government is expected to introduce legislation to lift those internal barriers by Canada Day. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The speech also went into more detail on the projects of 'national significance' that the government wants to accelerate. King Charles said that the government will create a new Major Federal Project Office, which will reduce the time needed to approve a project from five years to two, while upholding environmental standards and constitutional obligations. King Charles also said the government will also strike agreements with every interested province and territory within six months to realize its goal of 'one project, one review.' 'Given the pace of change and the scale of opportunities, speed is of the essence.' Former Governor Generals of Canada David Johnston, left, and Michaëlle Jean, were among attendees at Tuesday's throne speech delivered by King Charles III. Photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images The speech laid out that the government pledges to double the rate of home building to bring housing costs down, while 'using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers, and Canadian lumber.' To that effect, he said the government will introduce measures to deliver affordable homes by creating a new entity called 'Build Canada Homes.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. King Charles also said the government will introduce legislation to better protect Canada's borders, giving law enforcement and intelligence agencies new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and the Canada Border Services Agency 'new powers to examine goods destined for export, to prevent the transport of illegal and stolen products, including cars.' He said the government will also hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel and change firearms licensing and strengthen enforcement for criminals, as well as stop the tide of illegal guns across the border. 'It will take these steps while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners and Indigenous Peoples' longstanding hunting traditions,' he said. The speech also mentioned the government's intention to toughen the Criminal Code to make bail harder to get for repeat offenders charged with car theft, home invasions, human trafficking and drug smuggling. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. King Charles III and Queen Camilla were greeted by thousands of fans as they made their way to the Senate of Canada Tuesday morning, where the King officially opened Parliament. Governor General Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser, joined the royal couple in the landau. Photo by JULIE OLIVER / Postmedia In French, King Charles read that the government is committed to protect institutions that highlight Canadian culture and identity, like CBC/Radio-Canada. On reconciliation, the speech mentioned the government will be a 'reliable partner to Indigenous Peoples, upholding its fundamental commitment to advancing reconciliation.' And on immigration, it said the government is intent on 'rebuilding the trust of Canadians in immigration' by introducing a limit on the number of temporary workers and international students, with a cap of less than five per cent of the Canadian population starting in 2027. Finally, as Carney has repeatedly said, the government will be committed to a 'new fiscal discipline' which will include balancing its operating budget over the next three years by 'cutting waste, capping the public service, ending duplication, and deploying technology to improve public sector productivity.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. NDP interim leader Don Davies said the speech had good and bad elements, applauding the fact it referenced improving internal trade, the boosting the Canadian economy and housing but describing it as 'very conservative' economically. 'There are many provisions of this throne speech that could easily have been written by a Conservative government,' he said. 'Well, I would've written a different speech,' quipped Poilievre when asked about Davies' comments. All opposition parties — the Conservatives, the Bloc Québécois and the NDP — would not immediately say on Tuesday if their parties would vote for the speech. The vote is expected to happen next Wednesday. Poilievre said his party would propose 'constructive' amendments on energy and crime, among other things, while Davies said the NDP caucus would be discussing the matter tomorrow. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. King Charles concluded his remarks by thanking Canadians for their warm welcome during the visit. After the speech, the royal couple laid a wreath and flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. They then headed back to the United Kingdom, after spending just about 24 hours in Canada. National Post Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks News News
Cision Canada
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
RCMP honoured to participate in Royal Visit
OTTAWA, ON, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - On this page Content Sunset Ceremonies Quick Facts: The Royal Family and the RCMP Associated Links Contacts The RCMP's Musical Ride was honoured to play an important role during His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla's recent visit to Ottawa. On May 27, the Musical Ride provided a special Royal Escort to Their Majesties from the Bank of Canada to the Senate Building where The King participated in opening Canada's 45 th Parliament. The Royal Escort included 24 Musical Ride horses and members, including two pulling the box driven Landau — a carriage used to escort ambassadors, heads of state, the Governor General and members of the Royal Family during ceremonial events. The escort was joined by an RCMP Guidon party bearing the RCMP's Regimental Colour. For 130 years, the RCMP has shared many special moments with the Royal Family, including mutual gifting and receiving of horses with the late Queen Elizabeth II, escorting many Royal Family members during their official visits to Canada, and participating in coronations dating back to 1902. In April 2023, His Majesty King Charles III accepted the title and rank of RCMP Commissioner-in-Chief (he had been an Honorary RCMP Commissioner since 2012). In 2023, the RCMP presented His Majesty King Charles III with a Musical Ride horse named Noble. That horse became His Majesty's new charger, ridden for Trooping the Colour parades. The RCMP was proud to participate in this Royal Visit, a momentous and historic occasion that underscored the RCMP's unique role as both a national police service and an iconic Canadian symbol. It is a privilege to represent tradition, honour and pride alongside the Canadian Crown. Canadian Sunset Ceremonies Want to see the Musical Ride? They will perform at their home in Ottawa during the RCMP's Canadian Sunset Ceremonies from June 26 to 29. Over the summer, the Musical Ride will be touring Ontario, Alberta, Quebec and the Northwest Territories. Visit the Musical Ride Tour Schedule to find an event happening near you. Quick facts: The Royal Family and the RCMP The RCMP's relationship with the Royal Family began in 1897 when members of the North-West Mounted Police paraded for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in London, England. In 1904, King Edward VII conferred the title of Royal to the organization, which created the Royal North-West Mounted Police. In the century-plus since these events, the RCMP – and in particular, the Musical Ride – has shared a special bond with the Royal Family, specifically with the late Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen expressed particular interest in the RCMP officers on parade during her father's coronation as King George VI. During the late Queen Elizabeth II's reign, the RCMP presented her with eight horses: Burmese (1969), Centenial (1973), James (1998), George (2009), Elizabeth (2012), Sir John (2016), and Kluane and Darby (2019). On September 19, 2022, five members of the RCMP Musical Ride led the funeral procession for Queen Elizabeth II in London, England, at her request. Four of the members were mounted on former Musical Ride horses that had been presented as gifts from the RCMP during her reign. This tradition of gifting horses continued in 2023 when the RCMP gifted King Charles III a horse named Noble, in recognition of the RCMP's 150 th anniversary. The RCMP has had a direct and personal link to The King, who has been an Honorary RCMP Commissioner since 2012 and recently became our Commissioner-in-Chief.
