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.

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...  

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

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.

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

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

There is no more contentious aspect of politics as to what the
government spends money on. While this is by-and-large a
good thing as it prevents excess and encourages defensible
spending it does present a challenge for monarchists. The
public is largely uninformed about how the Canadian Crown is funded. That many still believe Canadian tax dollars are
sent over to Britain is proof enough of that.

The Monarchist League of Canada, in its role of educating the
public about the monarchy, releases triennial surveys on the
costs of the Canadian Crown. I got in contact with the League
to ask them about the Cost of the Crown Surveys.

A Kisaragi Colour: Why did the League decide to start
doing triennial surveys on the costs of the Canadian Crown?

Dominion Chairman Robert Finch: The League began
its triennial survey on the costs associated with the Canadian
Crown in 1999, in response to the many questions it received
and continues to receive on the subject, a curiosity aroused
by the prevailing media ignorance of the subject, especially
a) in confusing The Queen's personal assets with those that
are no more hers (Buckingham Palace, Royal Art Collection
and so on) than Rideau Hall is the GG's; and b) the fact that
the reportage focused nearly exclusively on the role and
expenses of the UK Crown, which had no bearing on the cost
of the Canadian Crown. These reasons continue to underlie
misunderstanding of monarchical and vice-regal finances in
the mainstream media, to which the survey can service as a
corrective.

AKC: Where do you get the data needed to do the survey?

DCRF: The data is compiled by our researcher from both
public accounts and the discussions leading to voluntary
disclosure of information from the offices of the 11 vice-regal
representatives, as well of those of government organs which
bear some responsibility for costs associated with the
Canadian Crown. Some of these latter include the
Department of Canadian Heritage (official Royal
Homecomings), the RCMP (Royal protection) and the
Department of National Defence (Royal transportation).
Occasionally it has been necessary to make a Freedom of
Information or similar request.  

AKC: How long does it take to put it together?

DCRF: It usually takes at least three months to assemble the
data, then a further number of months to clarify some points
and write the editorial material that accompanies the raw
figures.

AKC: What's the greatest difficulty in completing the survey?

DCRF: The greatest difficulty in completing the survey is the
multiplicity of provincial government bodies which are
responsible for portions of the expense of the Lieutenant
Governors, and the occasional suspicion of some private
secretaries that the League's reportage will only focus a
spotlight on the question of costs without benefit to the vice-
regal office. The League always points out that journalists
are always seeking to sensationalize their own reporting,
and that the careful and non-adversarial attitude with which
the League approaches this work generally serves to assist
the vice-regal offices in referring questioners to the study but
also that it is written with a background knowledge of the
institution which few journalists possess. The League is
careful to consult with the offices so that the peculiarities of
each situation are explained, as each Government House
operation functions in a distinct way due to a variety of
factors.

AKC: When is the next survey set to be released?

DCRF: We expect that work on the next Survey will begin in
2016, with release ideally in the second half of that year.
There is some discussion that the next Survey might well
underscore the cost-benefits equation of the Canadian
Crown's financials, whereby a great deal of good work is
accomplished for a very small sum; and how any modern
state, republic or monarchy, would incur similar expenses
providing historic houses for government leaders; operating
an honours system & touring the country.

I would like to thank Robert Finch for taking the time to answer my questions. The previous surveys can be found here.

It is important to remember that a Canadian republic would
still have a president and that the costs would still be the same. And for what? The monarchy provides a non-partisan core to government activity. It is worth every penny. 

This is the second of two French language videos that was recently produced by the Monarchist League of Canada. 

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

This is the first of two French language videos produced by
the Monarchist League of Canada. Jacques Monet is a well-
known historian, archivist and educator. He has also
received a Gold Badge from the League for his services in
educating the public about the Canadian Crown.

The Monarchist League's YouTube page has been steadily
growing over the last year which is good to see.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Let's not kid ourselves the past 5-10 years have been very good for the monarchy. The current government has been at, least nominally, monarchist in leanings. It has brought the monarchy to the forefront through frequent Royal Homecomings, restoration of Royal designations to the different branches of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the creation of a Citizenship Guide that now has a greater emphasis on the monarchy and Canada's history. Further, the succession laws have been updated without the entire process becoming a reason to call for a republic. On the judicial front another baseless attack on the Queen's presence in the Citizenship Oath has been defeated just recently. 

This is quite different from 2002 when Deputy Prime Minister John Manley commented that the monarchy should be abolished only days before he served as Her Majesty's minister in attendance. 

It can sometimes be hard to figure out where to go as a movement when things all seem to be going your way. While educating Canadians about their system of government can and will continue it is an open question what 'big' projects should be pursued. This is my attempt to create a list of issues that have either been left unresolved or have been off the radar which monarchists may wish to advocate in favour of.

1. Again send the Queen a shortlist of Governor
General candidate names rather than a single name.
For many years it was customary for the Prime Minister to
send the monarch a shortlist of names for the position of
Governor General. The current process has the Prime 
Minister send a single name to Her Majesty for her to 
approve. The current system is flawed for a couple reasons; it
renders Her Majesty's prerogative in selecting her
representative a mere 'rubber stamp' as well as creating the
impression of the Governor General as being a mere partisan
appointment. Prime Minister Harper partially rectified this
issue by creating the Advisory Committee on Vice-Regal
Appointments which is non-partisan and in fact does create a shortlist of names for the Prime Minister. However, the
Prime Minister makes the final selection and still sends the
Queen only one name. In the future it would be nice to see the
Prime Minister take a 'hands off' approach. But since the
current Advisory Committee is still greatly preferable to the
Prime Minister selecting a candidate on his own this idea is of
lower importance.

2. Have civics as a mandatory course in Canadian
high schools. As long as ignorance pervades Canadians'
understanding of their government and constitution the
monarchy will be easy prey for republicans who are able to
use pleasant-sounding, but ultimately empty, arguments in
favour of their ideology. Education is uneven across Canada
due to it being a provincial responsibility so it is impossible to
generalize. However, if the situation across the country
resembles that of Ontario, we are in trouble. Requiring
civics education would also go a long way towards getting
young people engaged with the political system and voting.

3. Again send a brief to the sitting government with
department-by-department recommendations for
full expression of the nation’s monarchical identity.
Back in 1985 the Monarchist League of Canada submitted just
such a brief to the Mulroney government titled Canada’s
Monarchy, Authentic Evolution. With a federal election
approaching this is an ideal time for this effort. The
Conservative Party has been in power for ten years now and
that tends to be when parties in government start running out
of ideas due to the pressures of running a government and
being unable to stop and reflect. A brief with well thought out
recommendations may well be appreciated. If one of the 
opposition parties form the government it will be equally
importance to remind them about the importance of the
monarchy to Canada.

4. Find the hidden monarchists in all the parties in
Canada. The monarchy will be in danger as long as its
support is perceived to be concentrated in one party. It moves
the monarchy towards being a partisan wedge issue. Once
that happens the monarchy's role in uniting Canadians begins to break down. Finding monarchists in all of the parties and
encouraging them to be vocal in supporting Canadian
institutions would go a long way towards securing the
monarchy. This may well involve monarchists with an
interest in seeking political office coming together to support
each other.

5. Have some sort of statement regarding the Queen
be recited before the start of legislature/parliament
business. A recent ruling by the Supreme Court has ended
prayers at the beginning of municipal council meetings as well
as those in legislatures that still have them. This has left 
different levels of government scrambling to figure out what
to replace the traditional prayer with. Currently, the preferred
alternative is a period of silence. This unimaginative option
lacks a key feature the prayers possessed; it called the
elected officials to behave in an honorable manner. Perhaps
the prayers could be replaced with a short statement by the
Queen detailing the quality of behavior she expects her 
legislators to aspire to? Not only does this conform to the
court ruling it would give the monarchy a further symbolic
presence in the legislative branch. 

Let's not rest on our laurels and always be considering the
future of the Maple Crown.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

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 Monarchist League of Canada
 is at the forefront of the
promotion, education, and non-
partisan defence of the Canadian
Crown. It was founded in February
of 1970 by supporters of the
monarchy who were concerned about "creeping
republicanism" by successive governments at the federal &
provincial level.

The first League meeting in Ottawa attracted over 600 people
to discuss ways to counter Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's
moves to weaken the monarchy. Since then the League has gone from strength to strength in its defence of the Canadian Crown. The Monarchist League of Canada maintains its own
chronology of activities but here are some highlights:

1971 Campaigned successfully for Royal Arms of Canada to
remain on Canadian passports. Campaigned successfully to
retain the Crown on Ontario licence plates.

1973 Pressure from the League resulted in Canada Post
issuing two large stamps of the Queen for a Commonwealth
Conference held in Ottawa.

1975 After campaigning, received assurance from Ontario
Premier Bill Davis of his government’s opposition to an
Ontario Advisory Committee report suggesting Queen be
dropped from Canadian Citizenship Oath. Branches
encouraged as six lieutenant governors become League 
patrons.

1976 Lobbied and ran advertising to make sure that the
Queen opened 21st Olympics in Montréal as Canada’s head of state.

1977 Newfoundland Branch obtained signatures of over
three-quarters of the province’s population on a Declaration
of Loyalty for the Silver Jubilee.

1978 Testified before Joint Committee of Commons and
Senate against the republican provisions of Bill C-60 (a new
Constitution for Canada), waged a large public opinion
campaign helping to secure unanimous provincial opposition
to the bill and its eventual withdrawal.

1982 Sponsored a national speaking tour by British MP and
Monarchist Sir John Biggs-Davison.

1984 Assisted the CBC in production of video history of
Canada’s monarchy, The Maple & The Crown. Co-hosted
study conference on monarchy held at the University of
Toronto. Toronto Branch participates in Royal Tattoo in
presence of The Queen.

1985 Submitted to the new Mulroney government a brief,
Canada’s Monarchy, Authentic Evolution, containing
department-by-department recommendations for full
expression of the nation’s monarchical identity.

1987 Defeated attempt by Secretary of State David Crombie
to remove Queen from Canadian Citizenship Oath.

1988 Began research and lobbying activities to encourage
MPs to request, and Government to erect, the Equestrian
Statue of The Queen on Parliament Hill (unveiled in 1992).

1989 Assisted Alberta Provincial Museum in mounting
exhibit on the 1939 Royal Tour.

1990 Issued first bilingual pamphlet about the value of the
monarchy and the work of the League.

1991 Blocked announcement of government’s new Gallantry
Decorations which would have eliminated the Victoria Cross
as a Canadian decoration. Subsequently waged successful campaign resulting in Queen’s creation of a Canadian Victoria Cross in 1993.

1993 Contacted every member of new House of Commons to solicit responses of loyalty to Crown and offer material on the
monarchy for MPs’ offices and constituents.

1996 Becomes first loyal society site on the internet at
www.monarchist.ca; free trial memberships attract many
new supporters.

1997 Established nationwide Red Box program to furnish
monarchical materials and teaching aids at no charge to
school and youth groups. Supplied first annual summer
student intern to Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Assisted in
presentation of the Five Hundred Years of Royal Canada
mural to The Queen at Rideau Hall.

1998 Campaigned successfully for Oath of Citizenship to
remain Oath to Queen. Testifies before Senate Legal and
Constitutional Affairs Committee on proposed Royal Assent
changes.

1999 Released first comprehensive Survey on Cost of the
Canadian Crown (74 cents per citizen yearly). Exposed
Premiers’ near-unanimous opposition to leaked prime
ministerial millennium project to make Canada a republic.

2000 Received Armorial Bearings containing two Royal
Crowns by the Queen’s permission, presented by the
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario acting on behalf of The
Governor General and proclaimed at Accession Day service.
Testified before the House of Commons Committee and
Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on
Citizenship Oath.

2001 Joined commentators and his Cabinet colleagues in
rebuking Foreign Affairs Minister Manley’s call for a republic.
Testified before Senate Rules, Procedures and Rights of
Parliament Committee on Royal Assent procedures. Ottawa
branch successfully campaigned to prevent designer logo from replacing Armorials in amalgamated city.

2002 Revised and updates survey on Cost of Canadian
Crown: $1.10 per Canadian yearly. Bilingualized main League
website. Teen and Young Adult Monarchist interest groups
formed in response to surging youth membership.

2003 Campaigned against Bill C-25 to remove allegiance to
Queen from Public Service Oath.

2004 Defended Governor General in media over spending
and travel controversy. Ontario members participated in
Lieutenant Governor’s book drive for First Nations
communities. Exposed federal government's confusion as to
the roles of The Queen and the Governor General, as
demonstrated at Canadian 60th anniversary of D-Day
commemoration in Normandy.

2005 Mounted national campaign in opposition to deletion
of Queen’s name from Canadian diplomatic Letters of
Credence and to demonstrate dangers of creeping
republicanism vested in a Governor General nominated,
advised and budgeted by the Prime Minister. Released third
comprehensive study of the Cost of the Canadian Crown: $1.54 per Canadian annually.

2006 Produced The Canadian Monarchy, full-colour
educational booklet about the Maple Crown, and began distribution to parliamentarians, schools and youth groups.
Revised website to incorporate contemporary education
section.

2007 After decades of lobbying, Canada Post issued the first
permanent (non-denominated) definitive stamp of The Queen for first class letters.

2008 Lead successful public and media campaign to reverse
BC Ferries’ decision to remove pictures of Queen from its
vessels. Protested downgrading of Royal portrait at Rideau
Hall.

2009 Becomes first organization to Tweet a Royal Visit.
Issues fourth triennial study, The Cost of the Canadian
Crown: $1.53 per Canadian yearly.

2010 Celebrated 40th anniversary of founding with complete revamping of website. Campaigned for restoration of “Royal
Canadian Navy” title.

The League has had a proud history. Whether in victory or
defeat it will continue to loyally support our Canadian
sovereign and fight against those who would undermine it.
Congratulations on 45 years!

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour