There was once a time when a royal visit to Canada was the stuff of fairy tales and legends. Canadians were enchanted with the royal family and there was little talk about abolishing the monarchy as this country’s head of state.
That appears to have changed with speculation that once Queen Elizabeth II dies, it may spell the end of the constitutional monarchy we now have in this country. Whether our system of government will be replaced with a republican system similar to the United States, or some other system, it’s clear some Canadians are growing weary of the House of Windsor and want to look at other options.
Last week, the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, and his wife, Camilla, ended their 11-day Canadian tour. There was everything you’d expect of a royal tour: small children with flowers and visits to community centres, schools, hospitals and churches, but something was missing. It was almost as though most Canadians didn’t care if our future king was in the country.
Do we need the monarchy in Canada, or has it outlived its usefulness? There is a growing number of Canadians who think it has. A Strategic Council poll on Canada Day suggests 65 per cent of Canadians want Canada to break ties with the monarchy when the Queen dies. With more immigration, and a media and cultural bombardment from south of the border, a growing segment of our population couldn't care less about the royal tradition.
On the other side, the Monarchist League of Canada feels the portrayal of the royal family has been unfair and shows how misinformed Canadians have become. The Crown, they say, is tied to so many institutions that it would be difficult to undo those ties without changing the fundamental way we govern ourselves.
Canadians have to be prepared for a debate on our continued connection to the royal family and Britain. Canada is completely autonomous from its former colonial master, but there are still many who cherish our connection to the throne.
Ending the monarchy in this country will be no easy feat, and it’s going to be divisive, but it’s a discussion we must have before the queen dies and her successor is crowned, whether Prince Charles or his son, William.