Category: Liberal Party

The Trudeau Liberals and the Monarchy: A Retrospective on Four Years

9/22/2019

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Canada is well into a federal election
and I wanted to take this chance to
look back at what the government has
done Vis-à-vis the monarchy. I will
state right off the bat that this blog
takes no stance on who anyone should
vote for. This article is provided for
educational purposes to assist with
making an informed vote on election
day. With that disclaimer out of the
way lets have a look back at what the
Trudeau government has done for/to
the Canadian Monarchy.

Things got off on an uneven start in 2015. In November
the Queen's portrait was taken down from the lobby of the
Foreign Affairs building. This was not the only change as the
office of Canadian Secretary to the Queen was folded into the
Department of Canadian Heritage and has been left vacant.

Later that month Justin Trudeau had his first meeting with
the Queen. The Queen actually knew him as a child since he
is the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

In 2016 a Royal Tour was announced which focused on the
Canadian west coast. While the tour was a great success,
there was one noticeable misstep by the government. The
Pacific Northwest LNG project received government approval
less than 48 hours after Prince William and Kate had visited
the area and while they were still in the country. The
appearance that the government seemed to be hiding behind
the royal couple has always struck me as wrong. While
arriving at a First Nations community it was noted that
several paddlers were wearing 'NO LNG' T-shirts. By making
the announcement when it did the government put the royal
couple in the middle of a political dispute.

2017 saw the Invictus Games hosted by Canada. The games
are an initiative of Prince Harry to "demonstrate the power of
sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and
demonstrate life beyond disability". Trudeau was able to use
some of his 'star power' to increase the visibility of the event.

That year also saw the appointment of Julie Payette as the
next Governor General of Canada. This appoint was different
than that of the last governor general appointment (and a few
lieutenant governors) as the government opted not to
make use of an advisory committee set up by the previous
Harper government for selecting potential appointees. This
decision likely meant that several red flags were missed and
contributed to a rough first year for the governor general (the
person and the office). The committee has not been made use
of for provincial appointments either. This despite a similar
committee having been set up for Senate appointments.

In June of 2018, Trudeau was speaking at a youth forum in
Toronto when he was asked about the monarchy. While
he defended the institution many felt his arguments could
have been better.

2019 saw the end of the free royal portrait program. The
stated reason was escalating costs and environmental
concerns. The program had grown in popularity since its start
in the early 2000's. However, the end of the program is
thought to be a potential hurdle to anyone wanting to put up
portrait-sized prints.

I believe this to be a thorough overview of the actions and
statements by the government over the last four years which
pertain to the monarchy.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Much Ado About Paintings

11/15/2015

Last week there was a bit of a stir when the Queen's portrait
was removed from the lobby of the Foreign Affairs building.
The portrait had hung there since 2011 when it replaced two
paintings by Quebec artist Alfred Pellan.

Photo: Adrian Wyld of The Canadian Press

The Monarchist League of Canada was not pleased. Outside
observers may see the reaction as a bit much. To understand
the reaction from the League requires knowing a bit of the
history between the League and the Liberal Party of Canada.

The League formed in 1970 in order
to counter what was seen as the
'creeping republicanism' of the
governing Liberal Party. The slow
removal of royal symbols, downplay
of royal history, and subtle disregard
for the Crown was a war of attrition.
Every negative action taken by the
government in regards to the Crown
had to be confronted or Canada's
monarchy would face slow decay.

However, over the last ten years the monarchy has been
returned to its rightful place at the center of Canadian culture
by the Conservative Party. During the period in between the
Liberals held a vote on adopting opposition to the monarchy
as a part of party policy. While the vote failed 67-33 the
vote left some monarchists concerned about what the Liberal
Party would do in power. The Trudeau Liberals have also
made some supportive statements in favour of the
monarchy. However, saying things outside of power and
doing things once in power are completely different.

With the return of the Liberal Party after the recent election
the League is certainly looking for signs whether the
monarchy is now valued by the Liberals or whether it will be a
return to the previous policy of republicanism by a thousand
cuts. While the League is strictly non-partisan there isn't
a lot of trust for the new Liberal government as of yet. An
action like this so shortly after the election was likely to be
interpreted as an attack. The portrait flap will probably come
to be seen as the first uneasy interaction between two groups
which have not had to work together for a while. I'm not
prepared to read too much into this action. One mistake a
trend doth not make. As for what ought to have been done
about the paintings...

The paintings in question

A compromise should have been found. The Conservatives are
somewhat to blame for the current situation. They set up a
situation that artificially pitted monarchism vs. Quebec
nationalism. The sensible solution, in 2011 as in 2015, would
be to have both the Queen's portrait and the paintings on the
(very large) wall. The paintings represent the diversity of
Canada. The portrait represents Canada's status as a
monarchy, a unifying force, and the person in whose name
the Foreign Affairs office acts. The wall is literally, and
figuratively big enough for both.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

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

Mailbox Cleanout

11/29/2014

I perhaps contact elected representatives with policy questions more than the average Canadian. Sometimes I include a question about Canada's monarchy. Mostly this is out of personal curiosity (I have only been in a position to vote for a couple of the people below).

It is funny (to me at least) how few policy inquiries actually get responded to. Mostly this is due how busy the candidate is although I did talk to one politician who didn't answer any inquires on the principle that they would not be able to answer every person in the riding if they were to send questions in (try and get your head around that one).

Below are the responses I've received to questions relating to the monarchy. Still aren't as facepalm-worthy as their answers about intellectual property though...

2012 NDP Leadership Race

"My own view is that it should be up to Canadians to have their say in the monarchy's role in a 21st Century Canada, and I would be supportive of a plebiscite to see whether people would like reform. Other countries in the Commonwealth are discussing similar questions, in preparation a change in the head of state at the end of the Queen's long reign. This is a question, however, that citizens, not politicians, should decide."
~Nathan Cullen

"Please know that Peggy has not made any statements on the monarchy. Given that the NDP does not have specific party policy on the monarchy, any decision made by Peggy on this matter would involve consultation with caucus and the membership."
~Etana, Peggy Nash Leadership Campaign 2012

2013 Liberal Leadership Race

"In response to the second part of your question, the monarchy is not the unifying symbol it once was, and it does nothing to help us overcome the fundamental unity problems this country faces. Clearly, it is also unable to serve its stated function of defending the institutions of parliamentary democracy. I support eventually establishing a Canadian head of state with democratic legitimacy. However, constitutional change of this magnitude can only be accomplished after a referendum. It also requires a renewed treaty process with First Nations, to ensure that the move is not unilateral and treaty and Aboriginal rights are not affected."
~Deborah Coyne

"With regards to your second question: Mr. Garneau's position is that Canadians support the monarchy and the Liberal Party of Canada voted down a resolution to study the role of the monarchy in 2012. Mr. Garneau does not plan to make an issue of it."
~Jean Proulx, Parliamentary Assistant to Mr. Garneau

"I support the concept of merit, versus blood-lines, and in that regard, I'd be happy to have Canada become completely independent from Britain. But to be honest, it's not one of the most important questions facing Canada right now so I'm not going to push too hard on this one."
~Martha Hall Findlay

"At the 2012 Liberal Party Convention, delegates were invited to introduce, debate, and vote on Liberal policy. Delegates explicitly rejected a motion to include severing Canada's ties with the monarchy as part of Liberal policy. My view is that severing our centuries-old connection to the monarchy is not a decision to be made lightly. The monarchy remains a cornerstone of Canada's foundation, and any debate surrounding changes to this institution must include as many Canadians as possible in the discussion."
~Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party

2014 New Brunswick Election

"The monarchy has been a subject of debate in Canada for some time. Personally, I view the monarchy as a heritage & tradition of Canada with little to no real substantive value other than that."
~Kris Austin, Leader of the PANB

"My personal views on the Monarchy are that they are an extremely wealthy and powerful group of elites who own an extreme amount of land and holdings via the crown corporation. People need to be educated about them and our countries foundation, parliamentary system, military, navy, and rcmp so that Canada and it's citizen's could move towards actual sovereignty (and a great many other subjects)."
~Ira Wilbur, Green Party candidate for the riding of Albert

"I am not a fan of paying for royals trips to canada, but that said I believe in tradition and my family has supported the monarchy for a long time. I have a hard time accepting anyone receiveing an all expenses paid lifestyle, however, I like Canada being a part of the Comomonwealth. It's part of who we are and one of a number of things that helps distinguish us from the Americans."
~Bill Brewer, PANB candidate forthe riding of Albert

2014 Yellowhead By-election

"I believe in the Monarchy and its representation to Canada."
~Jim Eglinski, Conservative Party candidate

"I don't see any reason for the monarchy aside from nostalgia."
~Cory Lystang, Libertarian Party candidate

"I used to be nostalgic and liked the Monarchy... I enjoy that we retain a loose commonwealth... However, I see a need for reduction in the pomp.. and a greater respect for the people.. I like that here is an ultimate representative for the commonwealth that if necessary could depose a leader, such as the Gov General is able to do... it allows a whole other international level of consultation.. that looks to all voices.. or at least in theory should. Ultimately I like Democracy, and checks and balances for it... how does this all relate to your question.. I always like o have a higher and more experienced authority.. As I see it, the royals are ther to remind us of higher ideals, they too in our times.. have become conduits, representatives of the people.. instead of dictating, they merely look to pass around the Conch.. or in other words the speaking staff... i hope this all makes sense..."
~Dean Williams, Independent candidate

Others

"I still believe that the Monarchy is un-democratic institution of power because it is not elected. Even the Pope goes through some sort of election process. The sovereigns don't. While I believe that, I thing there are too many divisive issues out there as it is, and I'd rather focus on resolving differences on more pressing matters. This issue can be 'parked' for now and revisited when our democracy is in better shape. Let's enact Proportional Representation first, for example, to prove to ourselves and the rest of the world that Canada is a democracy."
~Michael Nicula, Leader of the Party for Accountability, Competency and Transparency (PACT)

Conclusions

Overall, there isn't much positive in the responses I have received to date. The task of educating Canadians about their monarchy still remains great. The belief that the monarchy serves no practical purpose is perhaps the most prevalent misconception in need of confrontation. Several politicians also expressed a belief that dumping the monarchy is somehow a populous measure that will lead to a improved Canadian Government. This is demonstratively false and again shows just how limited education about our monarchy is.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour