The provincial legislature paid tribute to the late monarch, who died last Thursday, with a series of speeches.
Ford said her death touches him personally.
“Queen Elizabeth’s impact has been far-reaching,” he said in an official speech.  “She supported over 600 charities throughout her reign.  He spent countless hours working to improve the lives of people everywhere.  I consider myself one of the people who will miss her dearly.”
The queen was a reminder of the “greater ties that unite us, that connect us and unite us, in good times and bad,” Ford said.
“After ascending the throne at the age of 25, she would go on to serve for another 70 years and in those seven decades, which spanned 15 British prime ministers, starting with Winston Churchill, the world never stopped changing, but Queen Elizabeth always remained,” he said.
“Through global turmoil, domestic troubles and heartbreaking personal tragedy, Queen Elizabeth II continued to be a constant presence that gave people comfort.”
Interim NDP Leader Peter Tabuns noted that the Queen’s portrait hung in the legislature during the tenure of 11 prime ministers.
“Today we are here not only to pay homage to a monarch, but to mourn a woman,” Tabuns said.
“She was a person and a wife, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  A family mourns the queen, not just as a ruler, but as a beloved member of the family.  They have lost not only their matriarch, but also a wise elder and a connection to their ancestors.  So, to those who call Her Royal Highness mom, grandma or aunt, we send our deepest condolences.”
Sol Mamakwa, who represents the majority Indigenous riding of Kiiwetinoong for the NDP, nodded at that part of Tabuns speech.  As he entered the room, Mamakwa spoke of a deeply troubled history between the Crown and Indigenous people, but said he was there to help mourn the death of a person.
“It’s our way of life, to support people who are grieving … so that’s what I’m here for,” said Mamakwa, a member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation.
But as he entered the hall, Mamakwa noted an orange pin he wore on his jacket, in memory of all the children who never came home from residential schools.
“It’s a very complicated relationship we have with the Crown,” he said.  “I’m talking about colonialism.  I’m talking about oppression.  We live it every day, as First Nations.  It’s become a way of life for people and that’s not right.”
After the speeches, the Parliament adjourned until October 25, the day after the municipal elections.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 14, 2022.