Category: Kisaragi - The Maple Monarchists

Conservative Leadership Candidates and the Monarchy: Leslyn Lewis

6/23/2020

Dr. Leslyn Lewis (Photo Credit: John Balca)

The third survey reply I have
today is from Dr. Leslyn Lewis.
Truthfully, I received Dr.
Lewis' reply some time ago but
it was so short I made an extra
effort to try and get a longer
reply. As this has not happened
yet I will assume the quote
below is the candidates' full
opinion on the subject. To the
question of what Dr. Lewis
thought about the monarchy
she replied:

"I love the Queen."

Besides Dr. Lewis' short reply she seems to have made exactly
one public remark about the monarchy by re-tweeting
birthday greetings. From this we can conclude that Dr.
Lewis does indeed love the Queen. What this leaves unsaid is
what she feels about the monarchy as a whole.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Green Party Leadership Candidates and the Monarchy: Meryam Haddad

6/23/2020

Meryam Haddad

The second reply I received today
was from Ms. Meryam Haddad.
Ms. Haddad's response was very
different from her opponent:

"I personally do not believe in the
monarchy and think that we
should eventually get rid of it."

No public statements were found.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Green Party Leadership Candidates and the Monarchy: Dylan Perceval-Maxwell

6/23/2020

Dylan Perceval-Maxwell

The leadership survey(s) continue
with me having three replies to
share today. First up, Mr. Perceval-
Maxwell sent an interesting reply.

In response to what he thought of
the monarchy he replied:

"I love Prince Charles he has been an environmentalist for at least 40 years. Bush won over Gore because the USA does not have a Royal head of state. It is important."

Mr. Perceval-Maxwell continued with a bit of personal
history:

"My Grandmother was presented before the King before she
was married as was the custom. We still have a chair from
the coronation. They would let you bring them home in the
old days."

The first part of the quote seems to refer to a ceremony held
in the UK, and sporadically in Canada, where debutantes
were presented to the Sovereign (known as 'coming out'). The
last such ceremony presided over by a reigning monarch was
in 1958 after which Her Majesty abolished the ceremony.

Finally, Mr. Perceval-Maxwell addressed the policy questions
but only explicitly addressed one of them:

"I would be in favour of having Royal pictures up etc."

As with the other candidates who have not held elected office
I could not find any public statements on the monarchy. That
said it was great to see the personal connection his family has
to the monarchy.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Green Party Leadership Candidates and the Monarchy: Annamie Paul

6/21/2020

Annamie Paul

I have received a response from
Green Party leadership candidate
Annamie Paul to the survey
questions I sent out:

"I am afraid that I do not have set
policies on many of the questions
that you have asked, other than to
acknowledge that the Queen is
Canada's head of state."

Ms. Paul also noted that the Green Party membership sets
party policy. While true, this has not stopped Ms. Paul or the
other candidates from putting forward policy proposals. As
for the response itself it doesn't quite reach the level of being a
supportive statement. I suppose it is good Ms. Paul recognizes
that the Queen is head of state and not the governor general.

Ms. Paul has made no public statements regarding the
monarchy as far as can be ascertained.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

GGconversations: The Difference Between Being Partisan And Being Political

6/18/2020

Governor General Julie Payette has
launched a video series where Her
Excellency discusses different issues
related to the current pandemic. It is
always good to see Her Majesty's
representatives taking the initiative in
performing their role. The video series
began in May and has covered science,
art, entrepreneurship, and other topics.

Some of the videos go into topics that we might call political.
And that is fine. The Crown is permitted, even encouraged, to
be political. Sadly, there seems to be a misconception that to
be non-partisan requires a vow of silence.

This is not the case. The Crown provides a vital role when it
brings a light to forgotten or neglected issues. Political parties
can do this as well but almost inevitably the issue will become
partisan by association. Only the Crown can act within the
government to look at, and sometimes even address,
problems without a partisan wrestling match breaking out.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Green Party Leadership Candidates and the Monarchy: Amita Kuttner

5/19/2020

Amita Kuttner

Well, the trees are getting a bit of green on
them, the fiddleheads are out, and the
grass will soon be long enough to mow. It
has been a slow start to spring but it looks
to finally be here. Continuing this theme of
green renewal I have received a reply from
Green Party leadership candidate Amita
Kuttner regarding my policy questions.

Of the questions asked only one received a direct response. It
should also be noted that this response came through Amita's
campaign manager Anthony and not directly from the
candidate.

What are your views on the monarchy?

"The impact of the Monarchy on Canada cannot be
understated. The Royal family and Queen Elizabeth II have
shaped much of the Canadian identity for decades. However
we must also acknowledge that the Monarchy is also a
symbol of genocide and systemic violence perpetrated
against the Indegenous (sic) people of this land for centuries
in the name of colonialism. If Canada is to be united in
overcoming the crises we face, we must first find a way to
reconcile our traditions with those of all people who call
Canada home."

As prime minister would you make use of the
Advisory Committee on Vice-Regal Appointments
that was active between 2010 and 2015?

During the previous parliament the government
cancelled a program that mailed physical copies of
the Queen's portrait to any Canadian who asked free
of charge. Would you restore this program?

The government also removed the Queen's portrait
from the lobby of the Foreign Affairs Office and
replaced it with paintings by Alfred Pallen. Would
you find a way to have both paintings and portrait
share the ample wall space of the Foreign Affairs
Office lobby?

"...at the moment Amita does not know enough to give you
an answer to these questions. Amita and the team are still
looking at a broad range of policy areas including the issues
you've raised. It would be inappropriate of me to give you an
answer before Amita and the team have researched these
issues and completed their work. Rest assured we have not
forgotten about your questions and will get back to you as
soon as we can. Thank you for reaching out."

Amita appears to have made no public statements regarding
the monarchy. As such I only have the statement from their
campaign which isn't great. I will update this post should they
ever get back to me.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Evolution of the Right to Encourage

5/18/2020

Walter Bagehot was a contemporary of Queen Victoria having
been born after, and died before, the long-lived queen. And
while Queen Victoria was the one who set about creating a
greater symbolic role for the monarchy going forward, it
was Walter Bagehot who codified the monarchy's political
role. Now, Mr. Bagehot would likely object that he was only
observing what was already falling into place but in the years
since his death The English Constitution has been
studied by every heir to the throne as to what their role should
be. In physics there is a theory that the mere act of observing
a phenomenon inevitably changes that phenomenon. And in
this instance it holds true of political science as well. Walter
Bagehot observed that:

To state the matter shortly, the sovereign has, under a constitutional monarchy
such as ours, three rights — the right to be consulted, the right to encourage,
the right to warn. And a king of great sense and sagacity would want no others.
He would find that his having no others would enable him to use these with
singular effect. He would say to his minister: “The responsibility of these measures
is upon you. Whatever you think best must be done. Whatever you think best shall
have my full and effectual support. But you will observe that for this reason and
that reason what you propose to do is bad; for this reason and that reason what
you do not propose is better. I do not oppose, it is my duty not to oppose; but
observe that I warn.” Supposing the king to be right, and to have what kings often
have, the gift of effectual expression, he could not help moving his minister. He
might not always turn his course, but he would always trouble his mind. In the
course of a long reign a sagacious king would acquire an experience with which
few ministers could contend. The king could say: “Have you referred to the
transactions which happened during such and such an administration, I think
about fourteen years ago? They afford an instructive example of the bad results
which are sure to attend the policy which you propose. You did not at that time take
so prominent a part in public life as you now do, and it is possible you do not fully
remember all the events. I should recommend you to recur to them, and to discuss
them with your older colleagues who took part in them. It is unwise to recommence
a policy which so lately worked so ill.”

Walter Bagehot

Of the three rights Bagehot ascribes to
a constitutional monarch the first and
third have little changed from his day.
But I feel the second right, the right to
encourage, has slowly transformed. So,
slowly in fact that it was only with the
recent pandemic that factors led me to
notice it. What was once a right to
encourage politicians has become a
right to encourage the greater public.

Walter Bagehot would not have thought such a change
possible, or perhaps even desirable. His well-known contempt
of the political, and even rational, abilities of the lower classes
created blinders to such an expansion of the right to
encourage. At the same time technology did not yet allow the
expansion of this right with radio and television still in their
infancy. And finally, the character of Queen Victoria herself
did not allow it to expand as for much of her reign she shut
herself away from the people.

But what exactly am I referring to? In the quoted section
above Bagehot notes that a monarch can encourage a prime
minister to refer to events that occurred during previous
administrations, ask them to consult with the older men who
experienced those events, and suggest actions that might be
better. During the conference in London to finalize Canadian
Confederation Queen Victoria made use of her right when she
told John A. Macdonald that “I am very glad to see you
on this mission. It is a very important measure and
you have all exhibited so much loyalty.” This is the
right to encourage as traditionally defined.

My first suspicion that a change has occurred without anyone
really commenting on it was the Queen's recent broadcast to
the UK and the Commonwealth:

Here we had the Queen both encouraging people to do their
part during the pandemic and encouraging (in the sense of
comforting) those who were having a hard time during it. It is
not about legislation but instead advocating people do what is
right.

The Queen's decision to record an Easter message (a first in
her long reign) again functioned to encourage people to
practice social distancing and to instill hope for the future:

But looking back such encouragements are a common thread
throughout the Queen's Christmas messages as well. It would
seem that as the monarchy has taken on a more public role
the right to encourage has expanded in scope with it. The
Queen did not start this expansion (that distinction belongs to
her father) but her long reign has cemented its new form as a
prerogative of the Crown. Current events have simply made such encouragement more necessary. Her Majesty seems to
be everywheres in recent months. Her Covid-19 address was
accompanied by a special note for Canada. The New
Zealand Prime Minister was also surprised by a phone call
from Her Majesty. Of the videos that have been released only
the VE address was previously planned.

Some claim that the monarchy needs to evolve (without ever
really stating how) but miss the fact that the monarchy is a
living institution that has always been evolving to meet the
needs of its people. The expansion of the right to encourage is
necessary because politicians are bad at encouraging people
to follow rules. The respect people once held for elected
officials just isn't there to the degree it once was.

But let me switch gears before I sign off and note that in some
provinces restrictions start loosening tomorrow. Be sensible
with the increased freedom and have a Happy Victoria Day.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

2020 Conservative Party Leadership Race: Views on the Monarchy

5/2/2020

Andrew Scheer

This article is a collection of every
candidate response received thus far to
my questions regarding the monarchy.
It will continue to be updated as more
replies roll in.

I have again included a scoreboard for
the candidates as well as a section for
notable quotes.

This leadership race is to replace out-
going tory leader Andrew Scheer.

Questions & Replies

The questions posed to each candidate:

1. What are your views on the monarchy?
2. As prime minister would you make use of the Advisory Committee on Vice-Regal
Appointments that was active between 2010 and 2015?
3. During the previous parliament the government cancelled a program that
mailed physical copies of the Queen's portrait to any Canadian who asked free of
charge. Would you restore this program?
4. The government also removed the Queen's portrait from the lobby of the Foreign
Affairs Office and replaced it with paintings by Alfred Pallen. Would you find a
way to have both paintings and portrait share the ample wall space of the Foreign
Affairs Office lobby?

Below are links to each candidate's reply and a short look at
any previous comments they may have made in regards to the
monarchy. Candidates who failed to qualify or withdrew are
included for historical reference.

Qualified to appear on the ballot
Leslyn Lewis
Peter MacKay
Erin O'Toole
Derek Sloan

No longer in the race
Marilyn Gladu
Aron Seal

Crown & Cap Scoreboard

Here I have ranked the candidates support for, or opposition
to, the monarchy. Keep in mind this is only my assessment
and your mileage may vary. Also, note that changes may occur
as the campaign goes on.

The crown score is out of five crowns with each candidate
receiving one crown for stating support for the monarchy
in their reply, one crown for having defended the monarchy
in Parliament, two crowns for outlining how they would
improve the monarchy's role in the future, and one crown for
having spoken in support of the monarchy outside of
Parliament.

The cap score is likewise out of five caps with one cap given to
a candidate for being opposed to the monarchy in their reply,
one cap for desiring a referendum on the monarchy, one cap
for opposing the monarchy in Parliament and two caps for
making the establishment of a Canadian republic a part of
their policy platform.

Marilyn Gladu

Ms. Gladu scored well with only a lack
of dialogue about the monarchy
outside of parliament holding her
back.

Score:

Erin O'Toole

Mr. O'Toole improved his score from
2.5 to 5 crowns from the last
leadership race.

Score:

Aron Seal

Aron Seal is the first tory candidate
surveyed to hold strong republican
views. I believe the only thing that
kept his cap score as low as it is was
his lack of public office.

Score:

Leslyn Lewis

Dr. Lewis' score suffered from the
brevity of her reply and its failure to
reach the bar of actually supporting
the institution itself.

Score:

Loyal Quotes

"The heavy burden of public service and constitutional duty
devolved on the Queen when she was only 25 years old and
the mother of two was an awesome and daunting task. For
half a century she has, with grace and complete and total
integrity, discharged her constitutional obligations to the
people of this country and throughout the Commonwealth."
~Peter MacKay, 2002

I would like to thank all of the candidates for getting back to
me. While I might disagree at times with the replies I receive
it is at least good to know that politicians still take the time
to reply to ordinary Canadians.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

What comes after the Supreme Court ruling on Royal Succession?

4/27/2020

Badge of the Supreme Court of Canada

Last Thursday the Supreme Court
of Canada upheld a ruling by the
Quebec Court of Appeal on the 2013
Succession to the Throne Act. The
decision upholds the act as being
constitutional. Without getting too
far into the legal arguments the
point of contention was whether
changes to royal succession require
an act of the federal parliament or
the consent of every province in Canada. This ruling upheld
the first interpretation. Monarchists were divided over this
question with the Monarchist League of Canada supporting
the ruling and the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust joining the
challenge to the act. While there were valid concerns on
both sides, today I'm more interested in what this means for
the future.

The Queen and her heirs

The good news is that no matter which
way the courts had ruled the succession
would not be affected in the near future.
The bad news, in the view of some
monarchists, is that changes to the
succession potentially don't need the
consent of the provinces and may only
need the federal parliament to pass the
necessary acts. This situation ultimately
came about because Canada doesn't
have a succession law and from the way
in which the Canadian Crown split off
from the British Crown. In place of a
succession law we have a 'principle of symmetry' where the
monarch of Britain is also the monarch of Canada. This of
course raises the question of what happens if Britain abolishes
their monarchy? I have mentioned before that similar laziness
resulted in Canada not having a regency act.

Some monarchists are uncomfortable with the possibility the
federal parliament could change the succession on its own.
This is because while republicans taking over the House of
Commons is, in practice, difficult but republicans taking every
parliament and legislature is, in practice, impossible. And
when it comes to protecting the monarchy making it
impossible to attack is preferable for many monarchists to
making it difficult to attack.

But I'd argue this is a tad unhistorical. Ever since the Glorious Revolution the principle in the UK has been that parliament
ultimately decides who the monarch is. This was a rejection of
the idea that the succession was divinely immutable. Canada
meanwhile has come to a place where succession to the throne
is no longer constitutionally immutable. It is a tad
uncomfortable but it does present a potential course of action
that can be taken now that could not before. The ruling seems
to suggest that the Canadian Parliament could pass both a
succession law and a regency act on its own. Both would be
welcome laws to have. We can only put off passing key laws
in this country for so long before we end up in a crisis and
being a bit more proactive would be a good thing.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Green Party Leadership Candidates and the Monarchy: David Merner

4/24/2020

David Merner

Today I received a response from
Green leadership candidate David
Merner to my survey questions. He
is the former 2019 candidate
for Green Party of Canada candidate
in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke.

It has been a while since the last
survey response was received so as a
refresher the questions I sent to each
candidate are below:

1. What are your views on the monarchy?

2. As prime minister would you make use of the Advisory Committee on Vice-Regal
Appointments that was active between 2010 and 2015?

3. During the previous parliament the government cancelled a program that
mailed physical copies of the Queen's portrait to any Canadian who asked free of
charge. Would you restore this program?

4. The government also removed the Queen's portrait from the lobby of the Foreign
Affairs Office and replaced it with paintings by Alfred Pallen. Would you find a
way to have both paintings and portrait share the ample wall space of the Foreign
Affairs Office lobby?

Mr. Merner responded to questions 1 and 4 via Facebook and
questions 2 and 3 by telephone. His replies were:

Question 1: "I am a supporter of the monarchy."
Question 2: Mr. Merner stated that it was a sensible idea to
make use of the committee. As someone with a constitutional
law background himself he felt having constitutional experts
weigh in on vice-regal appoints was a good idea.
Question 3: As the program is currently structured he would
not bring it back and would go further and end a similar
program for copies of the Charter. However, while discussing
the program he was supportive of somehow incentivising
libraries to take on this particular role with possible financial
support from the federal government.
Question 4: "yes, I would raise this issue with the Minister
of Foreign Affairs."

As always I checked for any public comments by Mr. Merner
on the monarchy. I found none which is pretty standard for
leadership candidates who have not held public office. There
are simply fewer public statements to go by. Overall, he seems
solidly in the monarchist camp.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour