All hail the prince?
Posted By TARA SEEL
Posted 2 months ago
In these exceedingly modern times, when nostalgia is considered passé, and everyone's eyes are looking to the future, many people feel Canada's nnection to the British monarchy is outdated and useless.
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla visited Canada recently, including CFB Petawawa. While here, the Royals saw $250,000 donated to the Military Family Fund in their name, instead of the customary official gift given when they come to Canadian soil, and had Princes William and Harry named honorary Canadian Rangers. They visited with politicos past and present and made numerous public appearances. A big show is made of welcoming them and honouring them, yet there are whispers behind their backs.
A recent survey has shown the majority of Canadians feel the constitutional monarchy is out-of-step with the times. Interesting. The monarchy has always been a part of Canada, yet Canadians are feeling more and more isolated from them. Why not go to a presidential system like the U. S. and forget the monarchy altogether, some people ask. What value does the monarchy bring to Canada? The monarchy may not have any official control over what happens in Canada -this country makes its own foreign policy, elects its own government, decides internal issues by itself -but they do have a role to play in how Canadians identify themselves as Canadians.
It is hard to rally around a prime minister whose time in office is transient and really beyond the control of the Canadian people (the party is elected by the people, but it is the party who elects the prime minister). It is difficult to embrace a single cultural icon when the vastness and variety of this country are considered.
However, what has always been a constant is the monarchy. Canada has always recognized the British head-of-state. Canada has always respected the tradition that comes with having that monarch as our figurehead.
Why not adopt a presidential system like the U. S.? Because Canada is not the U. S. The system of governance in this country, a constitutional monarchy, is what has allowed this country to have its successes, treat its people the way they are treated and govern the way it sees fit, based on the voice of the electorate.
Are there problems with our system of governance? Absolutely. But there is no perfect system of governance. The constitutional monarchy has worked for this country. It has provided the framework from which Canada has been able to grow and mature and find its own footing in international circles. This country honours the Queen, respects the monarchy in general, but is not ruled by it. To do away with the monarchy is akin to snubbing one's nose at the very foundation of this country and what it stands for.
So, it is not all hail the Prince, but it certainly should be a very warm welcome.
Tara Seel is the editor of the Central Plains Herald-Leader.
