Debate
Throughout Canada's history there has rarely been much discussion or debate on the continued existence of the "Canadian monarchy." Historically, the monarchy has often been touted by Canadians as one of the key differences between the United States and Canada.
In recent years however, some Canadians, such as former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley have advocated the abolishment of the Canadian monarchy, and the establishment of a republic with head of state as a fully Canadian (and possibly democratically-elected) office. In contrast to Australian republicanism, there is not much public interest in turning Canada into a republic.
Arguments against the monarchy claim that its abolition would be a blow for democracy and remove an unnecessary expense for the Canadian taxpayer. Many Canadian republicans also say it would remove Canada's last political connection to her colonial past, and thus improve her image as a sovereign nation.
On the other hand, some of the monarchy's defenders have argued that having a Canadian monarchy, with a Queen of Canada and a governor-general, allows Canada to highlight its difference from the United States, whereas a republican president might be seen just another president on the American continent where the most prominent president is the President of the United States.
It is also noted that whereas Canada currently has a female head of state and female governor-general, no woman has ever been president or vice-president in the United States. They also argue that a republican head of state would cost more, not less, than the current monarchy, due to additional costs involved in updating the governor-general's residences to full head of state presidential palace level, the costs of state visits, political advisors, increased ceremonial functions, etc - functions that in many cases do not exist for a governor-general, given that they are not a full head of state, but which would be required for a Canadian president. There is also, in large part because of previous long disputes over constitutional issues and reforms, a reluctance to enter into the extensive constitutional renegotiation that would be required to establish a new political system in Canada. At any rate, at this time this issue is not at all high on peoples' minds. A recent poll suggested that only 5% of Canadians are aware that Canada's Queen and Head of State is Elizabeth II. Most Canadians incorrectly regard the Prime Minister as the nation's Head of State.
The Canadian monarchy has a powerful special interest group, known as the Monarchist League of Canada. The republican movement has a smaller, recently-formed group, known as Citizens for a Canadian Republic.
See also
External Links