Blog Archives

Canadian Federal Parties Reveal Stances on the Monarchy

9/28/2015

The Monarchist League of Canada has contacted each of the
four main federal parties to find out their stances on Canada's
monarchy. The question asked was:
"Do <leader's name> and the <party name> support the
continuance of the constitutional monarchy as Canada's
form of governance?"

All four parties replied. The following are the party's
responses listed in alphabetical order.

Conservative Party

"Canada's system of government, one of the most stable and enduring democracies
in the world, is rooted in constitutional monarchy and the institution of the
Canadian Crown.

For over six decades, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been steadfast and selfless
in her service to Canada and the Commonwealth. This year we marked yet another
milestone when, on September 8, 2015, Her Majesty surpassed the reign of her
great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria (1837-1901) to become the longest
reigning monarch of the modern era. In the entire history of Canada, it is a reign
surpassed only by King Louis XIV (1643-1715).

Our Conservative government is proud to celebrate Canada's history, our traditions
and institutions, and the values we hold dear as Canadians. As we look forward to
the celebration of the 150th anniversary of our Confederation and beyond, the
unique institution of the Canadian Crown will continue to be a central feature of
our parliamentary democracy."

Green Party

"On behalf of Elizabeth May, I would like to share Ms. May's speech in the House of Commons, on the occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Reign of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II: Link"

Liberal Party

"Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in Canadian history and
remains a beloved figure for many Canadians. Over the past 63 years, she has
stood with Canada through key moments of our country's history and, as our
nation underwent change and transformation, has been a rock of stability and a
steadfast keeper of tradition. The Liberal Party has no intention of re-opening the
Canadian constitution on this issue. Her Majesty will remain an integral part of our
country's evolution, progress, and future."

New Democratic Party

"The NDP is not planning any changes to our current form of the parliamentary
system. Our focus is on meeting the challenges of middle-class families for better
jobs, affordable childcare and reliable healthcare."

While getting answers from the parties was nice I would have
preferred a bit more 'meat'. Ian McKechnie of the Young
Monarchists came up with some questions in June that
would have been far more informative. But I can understand
that if the questions were too specific no answers might have
been forthcoming. I do have a problem with the New
Democrat's response since its false. The New Democrats have
stated they wish to abolish the Senate which is a change to
our parliamentary system. Their response also doesn't even
mention the monarchy. In short it is a rather weak response.

A big thank you to the Monarchist League of Canada for going
through the trouble of wrangling the responses.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Executive Effect: An Update on the State of Academic Research on Monarchy

9/24/2015

I turned up two new studies
focusing on the effects that
a monarchy has on its
country. The first looks at
whether it matters if a
monarch has constraints on
the use of their power. The
second is a look at the
lingering effects the old
Habsburg Empire has had
on its successor states.

The Logic of Hereditary Rule: Theory and Evidence
is a study looking at the years between 1848 and 2004. It
makes two key arguments:
-Hereditary rulers lead to economic growth, but only when
executive constraints are weak.
-Economic downturn is the main reason why monarchies fall.

While on the face of it this study looks like a defence for
absolute monarchy an inquiry to one of the paper's authors
painted a far different picture. I was curious what was meant
by 'executive constraints' and whether or not it included
informal rules and convention. Here is what Prof. Tim Besley
wrote in reply:

Prof. Tim Besley

"Sadly we only have mainly
formal constraints from the Polity
IV data -- although some "custom
and practice" does go into it if you
look at the codebook. However, it
is mainly formal constraints. In
the case of both Belgium and
Canada, there are string
constraints today but going back
in history that would not be the
case."

In short the higher level of economic growth observed would
also effect constitutional monarchies where the constraints
are informal (such as Britain [and presumably Canada]). Thus
it applies to most monarchies.

The second finding buttresses an argument I have made for a
while: monarchy and democracy make each other function
better. Whenever we have an economic downturn we don't ditch the monarch, we ditch the party in power. Democracy
helps the monarch be a better symbol of stability by negating the effects economic downturns have on monarchs.

The second study I found is The Empire Is Dead, Long
Live the Empire! Long-Run Persistence of Trust and
Corruption in the Bureaucracy. The study examined the
countries that once made up the Austria-Hungarian Empire
and compares them to neighboring countries that did not. It
finds that the countries that were once under Habsburg rule
retain greater public trust and have lower corruption levels.
The theory being that the empire's relatively competent
bureaucracy has had a lasting effect on the region.

While the study is fairly limited in scope it does lead to
interesting questions about the heritage monarchy has gifted
present day countries (many of them republics). The studies I
have posted over the last two years show monarchy has
concrete advantages over republics. This study indicates those
advantages carry over. At least for a time. Are modern-day
republics coasting on their monarchical legacy? Further
research would be interesting.

As always I have added the new studies to Useful Links.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Celebrating Our Queen

9/8/2015

Cross-posted from monarchistnb

Tomorrow, September 9th, our Queen will become the
longest-reigning Sovereign in modern Canadian history, and
the longest in all of British history. For nearly 64 years,
Elizabeth II has reigned over a diverse and sometimes
troubled Commonwealth of Nations, and somehow she has
only become more beloved over time.

For her part, Her Majesty seems not likely to mark this
historic milestone in an official way. That said, celebrations
are taking place across the Commonwealth. In Canada, we
have a particularly unique set of celebrations scheduled in
municipalities from coast to coast. Thanks to the tireless
efforts of our Dominion and Branch officers, and with the
cooperation of municipal representatives and employees, well
over 125 towns, cities and villages will be hosting a simple
commemoration tomorrow in their communities. The
municipalities range in size from Flowers Cove, NL, to
Mississauga, ON.

In New Brunswick, at least nine municipalities will be hosting
celebrations, and at Government House in Fredericton several
events, including a stunning exhibit on the province’s
connection with the Crown, will highlight the significance of
the day.

Elizabeth II has given her entire adult life in service to her
people. In her 90th year, she seems well poised to continue, as
long as her excellent health should continue. May she
continue to reign, gloriously, over each and every one of us.

God Save the Queen!

Loyally Yours,
Barry R. MacKenzie