Category: New Brunswick

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

The Monarchs of Canada: A Timeline

11/25/2014

Monarchs have ruled Canada since before Canada was a recognizable entity. This article is an overview of Canada's monarchs which is, as I will explain in a second, by necessity incomplete. Note that below if both the king and the queen are listed it means they ruled as co-sovereigns. Also note that I am defining 'Canada' as the geographic area of the current country. Finally, note that I have used the dates for the reign of each monarch rather than birth-death.

Pre-Contact North America

It is often overlooked that many of the aboriginal tribes that inhabit Canada at one time had hereditary chiefs. In fact some still do on a formal or informal basis. However, with 600+ recognized nations and fragmentary records from pre-contact civilizations it is nearly impossible to include a complete overview of native kingship in the context of this article. In the future I will attempt an article outlining a history of Canada's hereditary chiefs. Sufficed to say at present that hereditary and elected kingship has a long history in Canada.

Our French Monarchs (1534-1763)

The French Crown ruled over the parts of Canada now comprising of the Provinces of Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, & Nova Scotia. Two French dynasties ruled Canada before the colony was ceded to the British in 1763.

Francis I (1534–1547)
House of Valois

Henry II (1547–1559)
House of Valois

Francis II (1559–1560)
House of Valois

Charles IX (1560–1574)
House of Valois

Henry III (1574–1589)
House of Valois

Henry IV (1589–1610)
House of Bourbon

Louis XIII (1610–1643)
House of Bourbon

Louis XIV (1643–1715)
House of Bourbon

Louis XV (1715–1763)
House of Bourbon

Our English/British Monarchs (1497-1931)

The English Crown ruled parts of what would become the provinces of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and northern Ontario. It would gain areas ruled by the French Crown in 1763.

Until 1707 it is correct to refer to the English Crown. After March 6th of that year England and Scotland united into a single kingdom called Great Britain.

Henry VII (1497–1509)
House of Tudor

Henry VIII (1409–1547)
House of Tudor

Edward VI (1547–1553)
House of Tudor

Mary I
(1553–1558)
House of Tudor

Philip II of Spain
(Co-sovereign)
House of Habsburg

Elizabeth I (1558–1603)
House of Tudor

James I (1603–1625)
House of Stuart

Charles I (1625–1649)
House of Stuart

Charles II (1670–1685)
House of Stuart

James II (1685–1688)
House of Stuart

William III
(1650–1702)
House of Orange-Nassau

Mary II of England (Co-sovereign)
House of Stuart

Anne (1702–1714)
House of Stuart

-Kingdom of Great Britain established, 1707

George I (1714–1727)
House of Hanover

George II (1727–1760)
House of Hanover

George III (1760–1820)
House of Hanover

George IV (1820–1830)
House of Hanover

William IV (1830–1837)
House of Hanover

Victoria (1837–1901)
House of Hanover

-Dominion of Canada established, 1867

Edward VII (1901–1910)
House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

George V (1910–1931 as British sovereign)
House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

Our Canadian Monarchs (1931-Present)

The Canadian Crown became separate from the British Crown in 1931 due to the Statute of Westminster. More than 3/4th of the intervening period has been reigned over by a single sovereign.

George V (1931–1936 as Canadian sovereign)
House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (until 1917)
House of Windsor (after 1917)

Edward VIII (1936)
House of Windsor

George VI (1936–1952)
House of Windsor

Elizabeth II (1952-Present)
House of Windsor

Well I hope you enjoyed this timeline as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Albert County's Victory Cannons

11/11/2014

In honour of Remembrance Day I thought I'd write a little about New Brunswick military and royal history. Specifically I'd like to shine a light on the 1919 Victory Loans Campaign.

The Great War cost a lot of money. Various methods were used to raise the funds to pay for it (income taxes are one such temporary measure). Government-issued war bonds were another method eventually adopted. However, after the war was over there was still a substantial amount of debt to pay off. This led to the Victory Loan Campaign of 1919.

As part of the campaign a special flag featuring the coat of arms of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) could be won by communities that raised a certain amount of money. In addition a number of German howitzers were offered as rewards for significant contributions to the campaign.

Spiffy

The Prince of Wales, who was actually in Canada for his 1919 Royal Tour, presided over a ceremony where the first of 'The Prince's Flags' was unfurled. The campaign had begun.

The theme of this campaign unlike previous ones was rebuilding, cleanup, demobilizing, and a return to relative normalcy.

In New Brunswick each county had a target amount set based on ability to pay. Albert County's target was set at $110,000. By the end of the campaign the community had raised nearly triple that amount with a total of $317,600. Others raised higher total sums but only Albert County managed the feat of raising triple the target amount. In fact every New Brunswick county but one raised more than their target and was awarded a flag.

For raising such a staggering sum the people of Albert County were given one of the cannons captured at Vimy Ridge; a German 10-CM K14. They were given a second cannon for an even more impressive feat: Albert County had the highest number of volunteers per capita from anywheres in Canada. This second cannon was also from Vimy Ridge but was an older 7.7-CMFK96 N.A.model. A smaller weapon more akin to a field gun than the guns that would follow it. It bears the German imperial cypher (or coat of arms, it is somewhat worn away).

The two cannons were set up in the county's shiretown of Hopewell Cape. There they have stood against wind, rain, and picnic tables to the present day. Monuments to Canadian military achievement, the bravery of the men who went off to fight for king & country in the 'war to end all wars', and the hope that a lasting peace could be built.

There is currently a campaign underway to fix the inevitable decay of nearly 100 years. Donations can be made here. You can also learn more about the circumstances of the guns' capture at the same site.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

The 7.7-CMFK96 N.A. gun with wheels removed for repairs

Monarchist Profile: Lt. Richard Wilson

6/16/2014

Uniform of the 22nd of Foot

Born in Ireland in the year 1740. Richard Wilson joined the British Army around 1757 at the age of 17. He was made a sergeant of his Majesty's 22nd Regiment of Foot. The 22nd had been formed in 1689 by the Duke of Norfolk but had yet to receive any battle honours. Richard Wilson would serve in the regiment for eight years and participate in the sieges of Louisbourg (1758) and Quebec (1759). The regiment next moved to the Caribbean to fight against the Spanish. With the capture of Havana in 1762 the French and Spanish sued for peace and brought The Seven Years War to an end.

Richard Wilson went with the regiment to the newly acquired Louisiana territory. In August of 1765 the regiment was ordered back to the British Isles. However, before they left they discharged any colonists who had enlisted in the regiment as well as any men who had reached the end of their terms and wished to stay in the colonies. Richard Wilson decided to stay and settled in North Carolina. It is possible he had been there around 1760 as two companies were detached from his Majesty's 22nd Regiment of Foot to deal with an uprising by the Cherokee in nearby South Carolina. However, since records indicate him being present at the capture of Dominica and Martinico this is questionable. Whatever the reason, Richard was happy to make North Carolina his home.

Richard Wilson re-enlisted in 1771 and was made a Lieutenant of a Company of Artillary by Governor Tryon. He fought in the final battle against a group of North Carolina rebels known as the 'Regulators' at Alamance. Afterwards he was given a commission as a Lieutenant of the Garrison at Fort Johnston, where he would serve until the 18th of July, 1775.

By the time the first rumblings of the revolution had started Lt. Richard Wilson was doing well for himself having a plantation, two houses, two lots in the town of Brunswick, and one house in the town of Crosscreek. He later built another house at Fort Johnston. He was married in 1767 and had four children. His wife died around 1776 from an unrecorded cause.

The only good public domain map of North Carolina I could find.

In 1775 the rebels stirred up his tenants to stop paying rent unless he accepted a commission in the rebel army; an offer he reported refused "with horror and contempt". At this point he probably realized he stood to lose everything he had built in his new home. It would have been very easy to side with the rebels or simply desert and remain neutral. However, he was not going to betray his oath to his king nor his support for the legitimate governing authority in the colonies. He would pay a high price for his principles as would others like him.

Lt. Richard Wilson and Captain John A. Collet were ordered by Governor Martin to dismantle the fort and transport the guns to Boston as the fort's defence could not be guaranteed due to lack of supplies and desertions (some likely due to the same ultimatum given to Wilson). They managed to save the guns, and embark for Boston. As the men waited for transport they watched their property being burned by the rebels. They arrived in Boston on July 21, 1775, delivering to General Gage "a very valuable and costly set of artillery, arms, stores, and ammunition belonging to the Crown". Both Lt. Richard Wilson and Captain John A. Collet would join the Royal Fencible Americans, a loyalist regiment, serving under Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Gorham at Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia. Richard Wilson would serve in the regiment until 1782 eventually rising to the rank of captain.

Fort Beausejour (aka Fort Cumberland)

The revolution wasn't quite done with Richard Wilson however, and in late 1776 Fort Cumberland was attacked by rebels led by Jonathan Eddy. The British were outnumbered 2-1 and endured a siege from November 10-29th. Matters were only made worse by the fact that the regiment had not received their uniforms and warm clothes were scarce. Thus the men were "permitted to wear the barrack ruggs and blankets". It must have been a miserable time.

Belt buckle and uniform button

However the regiment's courage to hold out despite some close calls helped greatly. The effect of the failed siege was the dampening of revolutionary sympathies in Nova Scotia. The colony would remain loyal throughout the rest of the American Revolution. The years following the failed siege were chaotic as the rebels brief control of the region and reprisals against their supporters afterwards resulted in a wave of litigation that crippled the judiciary in Cumberland County.

Richard Wilson would build a new life for himself in the nearby town of Sackville. He married Ann Harper, daughter of Christopher Harper. Christopher Harper himself had lost property during Eddy's Rebellion and it is easy to imagine the two men becoming quick friends through shared experiences and values.

Richard Wilson would continue his military career when he was made Lt. Col. of the Westmorland County Regiment of Militia consisting of two battalions. Militia drills were conducted on the field behind his house and provided a day of entertainment for the townspeople as the militiamen went through their maneuver.

Lt. Col. Richard Wilson died in 1810 having served king and country faithfully and well.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Blog Update: New Name & Contributor

6/15/2014

Greetings everyone,

Exciting news; Barry R. MacKenzie of monarchistnb is allowing his articles to be cross-posted to this blog. This will allow blog founder, A Kisaragi Colour, a chance to be lazy with posting.

...

What? It won't? Well, ok.

The blog's name has been slightly changed to reflect this as well. This does mean the old web links won't work now so here is a handy list of links (oldest to newest):

The Purpose of this Blog

Profiles of the Canadian Royal Family: Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn

Monarchist Profile: Sir David Kirke

Women & Succession to the Throne

Canada's Royal Chapels & The Mohawks

This Week in Monarchy: June 1-7th

Monarchist Profile: Michael Valpy

This Week in Monarchy: June 8-14th

A reminder that the blog is always looking for writers. Have an interest in the monarchy? Like writing? Don't want to go through the trouble of starting your own blog? Here is the perfect opportunity.

Loyally Yours,
The Maple Monarchists

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

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