«« monarchie canadian The Crown of Canada National Post February 6, 2002
Ãditorial - A year before her accession, the Queen told Canadians that "they have placed in our hearts a love for their country and its people which will never grow cold." She has proven this with half-a-century of service, and her Golden Jubilee is an occasion for thanks. Many celebrations have been organized around the country.
Republicanism is a respectable and efficient form of democratic government, as is constitutional monarchy. Canada, however, has chosen the latter rather than the former, and unless and until that changes, the government has a duty to throw its weight behind the institution. As members of the Royal family acknowledge, a country's citizens are and should be free to decide on their own form of government. At some point in the future, Canadians may or may not desire change, but recent polls have shown that a large majority support the monarchy. A National Post/COMPAS poll this week showed that 63% want to keep it, while only 30% favour a republic. A Gallup poll in 1999 found support for the monarchy was increasing among the young. This popular support, together with the institutional entrenchment of the Canadian Crown, makes it clear that the monarchy is not going simply to fade away.
From time to time, a republican has surfaced to propose abolition. John Manley, the Deputy Prime Minister and an unofficial candidate to succeed Jean Chrétien, has mused openly about severing links to the Crown. Last May, Mr. Manley told a CBC reporter that Canada's head of state should "reflect Canadian diversity" and be "chosen by Canadians." In December, 1998, an unidentified senior advisor in the Prime Minister's Office also floated the idea of abolishing the monarchy, suggesting it would make a "grand project to kick off the new millennium." But the government quickly backed off amid strong opposition from many quarters, including provincial premiers. | |
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