Category: Lt. Gov. Graydon Nicholas

Graydon and Beth Nicholas Essay Prize Launched

3/22/2015

Cross-posted from monarchistnb

Press Release

The provincial Branch of the Monarchist League of Canada recently launched an exciting new essay prize for high school students in Anglophone West School District.

The prize is named in honour of Hon. Graydon Nicholas and his wife, Beth, who for five years, from 2009 to 2014, served the Sovereign and the people of this province with great distinction. As Lieutenant Governor and Chatelaine of Government House, His Honour and Mrs. Nicholas brought great dignity to the Office and were enthusiastic promoters of the Crown in New Brunswick.

“In honour of their unfailing support of the Crown and of our organization, of which His Honour was Patron, the NB Branch designed this award as an ongoing tribute to His Honour and Mrs. Nicholas,” said Barry MacKenzie, Co-Chairman of the Branch. “Because of their commitment to education, we were doubly confident that a prize encouraging high school students in their learning process was a most fitting farewell gift for our esteemed friends.”

The contest runs until May 1st and is open to all students in grades 9-12 in Anglophone West School District. In 2016, the League plans to open the contest up to students across the Province. Entries must be in the form of a formal research essay (at least three pages, and not to exceed five pages, in length) on any topic of the student’s choice which relates to the Monarchy in Canada. Suggested topics and resources can be offered to students and their teachers by the Branch. The winner will be announced and the prize presented around the Victoria Day holiday weekend, when Canada celebrates the Queen’s Birthday.

All entries must be submitted by May 1st, 2015, by email to communications@monarchistnb.ca, or by regular mail to the P.O. Box 133 Station A, Fredericton, NB, E3B 4Y2

Loyally Yours,
Barry R. MacKenzie

The Last of the Semi-weekly Monarchy Updates: July 13th - August 19th

8/19/2014

Due to my laptop frying itself I've been on a bit of a forced vacation from the internet for the last few (many) weeks. As such, I've been unable to do my weekly updates on the Canadian Crown. However, due to my new computer being a desktop I have found myself without a lot of time to keep a weekly update going either. As such the following highlights from the last month (since including everything would take me more than a week to put together) will be the last in this format.

Her Majesty The Queen

Canadian Forces Photo

On July 13th the Queen paid a surprise visit to the Royal 22nd Regiment at Combermere Barracks in Windsor and chatted with the soldiers in French for about 45 minutes. The Royal 22nd, popularity known as 'The Van Doos', is a primarily francophone regiment stationed in Quebec. The regiment served as the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace from July 14-19th. This is the second time the regiment has served as the Queen's Guard (the first time being in 1940). Other Canadian regiments to serve as the Queen's Guard include the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the Royal Canadian Regiment.

The Governor General

On August 4th His Excellency released a short message commemorating the anniversary of the start of the First World War 100 years ago. The text can be found here.

The Governor General had to cancel a visit to New Brunswick scheduled for August 6th due to contracting the flu.

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

The Honourable David C. Onley was the guest of honour at a farewell dinner hosted by the Premier on July 16th. His successor , Ms. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, will be installed as the 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario on September 23, 2014.

Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia

On August 4th The Honourable J.J. Grant released a short statement commemorating the start of the First World War. The text can be found here. While the Great War impacted every part of Canada, Nova Scotia played a major role in the war effort due to its strategically-important port city of Halifax. The war was also indirectly the cause of the Halifax Explosion that flattened much of the city.

Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick

His Honour named ten people to the Order of New Brunswick as part of New Brunswick Day celebrations. The names of the ten can be found here.

On August 8th Premier Alward announced the appointment of Jocelyne Roy-Vienneau as the new lieutenant governor. The official swearing-in will take place shortly after the up-coming provincial election. As a New Brunswicker myself I would like to thank Graydon Nicholas for his service these last few years.

On August 19th His Honour performed what will likely be one of his last duties as Lieutenant Governor by accepting the advice of his premier to call an election for September 22nd.

Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia

The Honourable Judith Guichon opened the new Kwunew Kwasun Cultural Resource Centre at Malahat Nation, BC. As stated on the Lieutenant Governor's website, "The Centre was built as an initiative under the Lieutenant Governor's literacy program: The Write to Read Project, a partnership between the Government House Foundation and the Rotary Clubs of District 5040 to assist in building co-operative relationships between urban groups and First Nations communities." That the Crown continues to have a good relationship with its native allies is vitally important, especially when the political relationship between natives and the various governments has been so strained.

Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island

On July 15th The Honourable H. Frank Lewis announced the recipients of the Order of Prince Edward Island. Their names and achievements can be found here.

I have to say that while doing these updates I learned a lot about the role of Canada's Vice-Regal positions and about how each person makes their mark on the office(s).

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Cost of Crown Survey Released!

6/15/2014

Cross-posted from monarchistnb

Every three years, the Monarchist League of Canada commissions a survey on the cost of Canada’s Constitutional Monarchy. The survey provides a wealth of information about exactly where the money goes, and how much bang taxpayers are getting for their buck.

The most recent issue of this triennial survey came out last week, and the results are encouraging. The overall cost, per Canadian, of Canada’s monarchy in 2011-2012 was $1.63! That figure does not include the special one-time expenses incurred for the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which, if factored in, bring the per capita total to $1.85.

These figures include everything from Royal Tours and security costs to salaries and vice-regal household expenses. Naturally, this includes no amount of money to cover the Queen’s expenses in the UK. It’s simply an old myth that Canadians cover part of the Queen’s bill anywhere outside of Canada.

Our hardworking Lieutenant Governor, Graydon Nicholas, shines in the section of Lieutenant Governors. He attends and hosts more events that most other provincial vice-regals, and does so for less than any of his colleagues (even his PEI counterpart!). His total all-inclusive expenses for 2011-2012 were $507,687.80 This includes a Provincial contribution of $318,500. The rest of the costs (including His Honour’s salary) were covered by the Federal Treasury.

New Brunswickers reading this know that His Honour seems to turn up at everything, and his house is often a flurry of activity. His total engagements for 2011-2012 numbered 550. That’s more than twice the number accounted for by his colleague’s in Quebec, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan!

In 2012, monarchists received a fair amount of flack about the costs associated with the Royal Tour by TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The overall costs for that Tour came out to $649,538, or just 2 cents per Canadian! The 2011 Tour by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge cost Canadians just 4 cents each, and the 2010 Tour by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, 6 cents each.

Overall, the cost of Canada’s constitutional monarchy compares favourably with expenses incurred by the House of Commons ($12.25 per Cdn), the Senate ($2.57), and the CBC ($32.52). It costs just a few cents more per Canadian than the Library of Parliament and the National Gallery. Our neighbours to the south paid an estimated $5.24 each for the running of the White House and the Office of the President in 2008! And they have 10 times our population.

All members will be receiving a copy of this survey in the mail very soon. Others are welcome to check out a digital copy on the Monarchist League's website.

Loyally Yours,
Barry R. MacKenzie

This Week in Monarchy: June 8-14th

6/14/2014

June 8th

Let's start off with an item which, while not tecnically news, is interesting. It is rumoured the search as begun for the successor to His Honour Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. While all vice-regal positions are 'at Her Majesty's pleasure', traditionally (and barring certain circumstances) the time in office is five years. The Lieutenant Governors are vice-regal positions 'once removed' from the Crown meaning they are actually appointed by the Governor General. In this instance the Premier of New Brunswick takes precedence over the Prime Minister in advising the Governor General.

His Honour Frank F. Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, toured the Cupids Legacy Centre and attended the Official Opening of the Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador Display.

June 9th

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, met with the Honourable Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia, at Rideau Hall. Tony Abbott is a strong supporter of the Australian Monarchy and has presided over a collapse in support for a republic (if polls can be believed).

His Honour Frank Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and Honorary Colonel, hosted a Meeting of Honorary Colonels of Provincial Military Regiments at Government House.

June 10th

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston attended the regimental funeral for RCMP constables Dave Ross, Fabrice Georges Gevaudan, and Douglas James Larche in Moncton, New Brunswick. Their killer, meanwhile, is in custody and availing himself of Her Majesty's justice system.

In happier news HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh celebrated his 93rd Birthday.

In Manitoba His Honour Philip Lee Attended the 50th Anniversary Gala Concert of the Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble at Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall. 'Chai' means 'alive' in Hebrew and is a type of group dance set to music.

In Alberta His Honour Donald Stewart Ethell hosted a Reception for new Consul General of Japan in Calgary.

June 11th

On Wednesday His Honour Donald Stewart Ethell presented the Lieutenant Governor's Emerging Artist Awards at Government House. Eight Albertans were each awarded a medal and $10,000.

Once again back to the Governor General who presented the Michener Award for outstanding public service in journalism, as well as the Michener-Deacon Fellowships and the Michener-Baxter Special Award in a ceremony at Rideau Hall. His Excellency's speech can be found here.

His Honour Philip Lee, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, attended the University of Winnipeg Spring Convocation.

June 12th

His Honour David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was delighted to open up the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite in celebration of the Luminato Festival. The festival celebrates artistic creation and consists of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, literature, film and celebrations of all kinds.

June 13th

After a day of artistic expression His Honour David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, had a very different duty to carry out. The Lieutenant Governor received the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, and was formally advised of the results of the provincial election. The results mean Kathleen Wynne will most likely be Premier of Ontario for the next four years (since the premier retains their position through an election she technically isn't being asked to form a government; just to continue the current one).

In Manitoba His Honour Philip Lee Attended the Fenestration Canada's President Dinner at The Fort Garry Hotel. Fenestration Canada is an organization promoting the door and window industry (no one said the life of a vice-regal representative was glamourous).

Their Honours Frank F. Fagan and Mrs. Patricia Fagan attended the Canadian Forces Station St. John’s Annual Mess Dinner at the Surgeon Lieutenant- Commander W. Anthony Paddon Building.

The Governor General warmly welcomed the creation of the Diamond Jubilee Scholarships. The program was apparently a collaborative effort between former PM Chretien, the federal government, the provincial governments business, and universities. According to the Governor General's website, "The new program, to be launched this fall, will award 1500 scholarships over five years to Canadian students at the graduate and undergraduate level for internships or academic study for periods of four months to one year in another Commonwealth country. The scholarship will also be available to students from Commonwealth countries to attend a Canadian university for up to two years of masters or doctoral studies."

June 14th

And finishing off the week; Their Honours Frank F. Fagan and Mrs. Patricia Fagan attended the International Grenfell Association’s Centennial Dinner and Exhibition at The Rooms. The Association has an interesting history in the province which can be found here.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

This Week in Monarchy: June 1-7th

6/7/2014

June 1st

Starting off the week we have the Young Monarchists who are putting together a series of short films about why Canadians feel loyal to the Maple Crown as well as detailing their own activities. The Monarchist League of Canada is holding a silent auction to help out with this summer project.

June 2nd

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston volunteered their time at The Ottawa Mission as part of the TELUS Day of Giving. Their Excellencies served food and refreshments during the community barbecue. This is part of the Governor General's 'My Giving Moment' campaign that encourages Canadians to give back to their communities.

June 3rd

Tom Sutton-Smith, a former Winnipegger, found out on Tuesday that a painting he had done of the Duchess of Cambridge had been presented to William and Kate the previous week. The royal couple were apparently delighted by the painting and intend to display it in their home. The painting was apparently done on a whim after outcry over the Duchess' official portrait making her look too old.

The Honourable Philip S. Lee, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba hosted a Reception in honour of the volunteers of Beyond Borders at Government House.

The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia announced the winners of the inaugural 'Sing Me a Song' program. Link

June 4th

On the 4th The Honourable Philip S. Lee attended the Opening Ceremonies of the Winnipeg International Children's Festival at The Forks as well as the University of Manitoba Convocation.

Back to the Governor General who hosted a reception in honour of Canada's 2014 Olympic and Paralympic teams. The text of His Excellency's speech can be found here.

June 5th

HRH The Duke of York was at Fort York National Historic Site in Ontario. The Duke is Colonel-in-Chief of The Queen's York Rangers and presented them with new battle honours. This is not the only connection to Ontario the Duke has as he also spend six months studying at Lakefield College School.

The Honourable David C. Onley was also in attendence. Since 2011 the incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Ontario has served as a Colonel of the Regiment of The Queen’s York Rangers.

Returning to The Honourable Philip S. Lee who Hosted a Reception to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Kidney Foundation of Canada - Manitoba Branch at Government House.

Also on the 5th Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas of New Brunswick issued a statement in wake of the tragic shootings in Moncton:

"I ask New Brunswickers to come together in light of this tragedy. The RCMP deserves our encouragement and our thanks. The victims, their families and the entire community need the support and sympathy of our province, as we all try better to understand how this could happen here at home.

Hug your family a little tighter today.

Now is the time to come together in prayerful solidarity. These tragic events are a time for all of us to reflect on mental illness, and the warning signs of those in need.

We can all help those who feel there is no way out. We can talk, listen, pray, console and try to better understand. But it takes just one person to see the warning signs.

Now, as we try to comprehend how this could happen, I ask for calm, for reflection, and for prayer. Prayer can be a great healer. And now, those affected need our support, our condolences and our prayers."

June 6th

The Governor General Marked the 70th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. On behalf of the people of Canada, Their Excellencies laid a wreath in memory of the more than 5000 Canadians who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom.

The Queen of Canada, The Prince of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family were in northern France to commemorate the D-Day landings. Prince Charles spoke at the Juno Beach Centre. Link

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour