Category: Quotes

New Democratic Party Leadership Race: Views on the Monarchy

8/16/2017

As I did with the Tory leadership race I have been
contacting the various leadership candidates for the New
Democratic Party of Canada to ascertain their views on the
monarchy. I have already posted individual articles on some
of the candidates. This post is to function as a sort of index
and supplement to the other articles.

The Emailed Question & Responses

The question posed to each candidate was simple:
"What are your views on the monarchy?"

Below are links to each candidate's reply and a short look at
any previous comments they have made in regards to the
monarchy. Names are in order of when they entered the race.

Cheri DiNovo (Withdrew From Race)
Peter Julian (Withdrew From Race)
Charlie Angus
Guy Caron
Niki Ashton
Ibrahim Bruno El-Khoury (Withdrew From Race)
Brian Graff (Candidacy Rejected)
Pat Stogran (Withdrew From Race)
Jagmeet Singh
David Berlin (Withdrew From Race)

Crown & Cap Scoreboard

Here I have ranked the candidates support for 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.

I have had to make a change since last time as some
candidates have views leaning towards republicanism. The
crown score is now joined by a phrygian cap score.

The crown score is out of five crowns and five caps 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.

One cap is 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.

Peter Julian

Mr. Julian has stated he has no strong
views on the monarchy but feels a
referendum on the issue might be
appropriate.

Score:

Charlie Angus

Mr. Angus is firmly opposed to the
monarchy but like many republicans
does not see replacing it as a priority.

Score:

Pat Stogran

Mr. Stogran's score suffered due to
a bit of vagueness. He seems to know
the monarchy is important but doesn't
say it is important to him.

Score:

Brian Graff (No Photo)

Mr. Graff's reply was highly detailed
and greatly opposed to the monarchy.
This is unfortunate as he made clear
he once supported it.

Score:

Ibrahim Bruno El-Khoury

Mr. El-Khoury's reply noted the
historical importance of the monarchy
while dwelling on Canada's ability to
change if it chooses to. In the end the
reply advocates nothing resulting in
a low score on both sides.

Score:

Jagmeet Singh

In light of Mr. Singh's unfortunate
remarks during the Montreal debate
his score has been adjusted.

Score:

NDP Supporters and Monarchists Quotes

I have run across a few interesting quotes from people who
would like to support the NDP or a specific candidate but are
put off by the party's knee-jerk republicanism.

"After reviewing Jagmeet Singh's comments against the
Monarchy I became deeply concerned. As a Federal NDP
supporter since Jack Layton, I do not have confidence in a
leader who does not understand that the Canadian Crown is
completely independent and unique from the British Crown
and of it's powerful force for national unity and Canadian
identity. I certainly don't support someone who doesn't
respect or even understand the Canadian Crown."
~Darren Brierley

"I'd vote for him [Jagmeet Singh] if the NDP weren't so anti-
monarchy. Because of that, I now usually vote Green. But
Jagmeet might convince me to vote NDP next election, if he
can show that he doesn't plan to waste time with
constitutional amendments to remove/relocate the Crown in
Canadian governance."
~marnas86

"I agree that sharing our monarch with the other
Commonwealth realms has largely been beneficial to
Canada since 1867. It is for most Canadians both a Canadian
and international symbol of continuity, non-partisan
authority, and civic participation in an increasingly
globalized society. Canada’s colonial history has many
shameful memories, but they are primarily tied to the
policies of past governments and exploitative practices of
commercial interests. The monarchy is largely a reflection of
our times and it’s current incarnation should be used to
celebrate and cultivate the best that Canada has to offer."
~James Bromilow

"I am not myself a member of the New Democratic Party,
but often find myself more sympathetic to many of its
policies than I am to those of the Liberals when concerning
the rights and concerns of the working classes, and the little
guy, generally. However, one reason I always find myself
cringing away from being able to actually support the NDP
is certain members’ stances on the monarchy... I know that I
and many people like me would feel infinitely more
comfortable with the NDP if it took a firm public stance in
favour of the Monarchy." ~Jonathan Banks

"Republicanism is a failed governmental concept. Compare
the peace and relative stability of the United Kingdom with
the constant strife and unrest in France, or the unparalleled
quality of life and happiness in Norway, Sweden and
Denmark. It’s no coincidence that having a uniting symbol in
the form of a King or Queen helps bring people together and
creates a better life. Republicans often point to Monarchies
being undemocratic, but I see no lack of democracy in any
Constitutional Monarchy-led country. I would see Peter
Julian be the candidate that stands up for our Monarchy;
who says “There is plenty wrong with our government and
system of electing MP’s, but not in the Canadian Monarchy. I
see no reason to do away with the unity and stability that
having a Monarchy has brought Canada over the past 150+
years.”" ~Brian Appel

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

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Monarchist Profile: Elsie Wayne

8/29/2016

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On Saturday the body of Elsie Wayne was
laid to rest. During her life she served as
Mayor of Saint John and later as Member
of Parliament representing the same city.
Like many Maritimers Elsie Wayne was
fiercely proud of her community and her
country. She was also a strong monarchist
and a vocal one at that. In tribute to this
great lady I would like to take a look back
at some of her statements in Parliament.

"I heard the hon. member from the NDP say how sorry he was that we were
referring to the monarchy. I am so pleased and proud that the monarchy is still part
of our citizenship oath. I represent Canada's first city to be incorporated by royal
charter. We and our people played a major role in building all of this country. We
date back to 1783. There are those who say they want to eliminate our ties to the
monarchy. I cannot believe that the people who say that sit in the House of
Commons."
~Debate on Citizenship of Canada Act, February 3rd, 1999

Elsie Wayne often made reference to the fact Saint John was
the first city incorporated by royal charter. It was a particular
point of pride that she had had the chance to represent her
city of Saint John.

"Mr. Speaker, for 40 years Canada has shared with Australia and New Zealand in
seconding a public servant to serve in Her Royal Majesty's press office at
Buckingham Palace. It is once again Canada's turn. However, the Prime Minister
has unilaterally refused to send a representative. I was told today by the London
press that the PMO's press officer said they knew nothing about the monarchy or
any ties. My question is for the Prime Minister. Is he denouncing Canada's ties with
the monarchy? Will he reconsider his position and second a public servant to
continue this important longstanding tradition?"
~Question Period, March 18th, 1998

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s there was a slow
degradation of royal symbols and traditions. This process of
erosion has become known as 'republicanism by stealth'. To
carry this process out successfully it helps if no one bothers to
point it out. Elsie Wayne was not one to let even the smallest
thing slide. She would ask similar questions of the
government. I believe that this helped make 'republicanism by
stealth' much harder for the government. It certainly annoyed
them. After the above question was asked Prime Minister
Jean Chretien remarked that if Elsie Wayne wanted to go he
would be happy to send her!

Elsie Wayne had far less patience for those who openly
expressed republican sympathies.

"Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to be the official escort to Her
Majesty the Queen when her royal tour brings her to the nation's capital, this
notwithstanding that on Friday last he told reporters in Montreal that he favours
severing all ties with the monarchy after the Queen's reign ends. By my count, the
Deputy Prime Minister has sworn an oath of loyalty and service to Her Majesty no
fewer than four times in the last two years, yet he has used his position as a
minister of the Crown as a podium from which to rail against our history and our
heritage. The minister says that instead of the monarchy he would prefer an
entirely Canadian institution, but he fails to recognize that the monarchy is as
Canadian as the House of Commons itself. I pray that the Deputy Prime Minister
will apologize to the Queen when he hosts her. In fact, he should go to the Prime
Minister and say that he should not be her host and that the Prime Minister should
put someone else in his position when the Queen comes to Ottawa."
~Statements by Members, October 8th, 2002

It is my profound wish that the politicians we have today
would be granted a double share of Elsie Wayne's passion for
our monarchy.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

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Canadian Women on our Currency...

3/16/2016

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...and why the Queen never seems to count.

On Tuesday the Moncton Times & Transcript ran an editorial
about how we should include more female Canadians on our
currency. I agree. Canadians are a talented bunch and
Canadian women equally so. What bothers me is the editorial
seemed to dance around the Queen's presence on the $20 bill.

The editorial, while acknowledging that the Queen is a
woman, seemed unwilling in any way to say she is a Canadian.
This is not an isolated view. Merna Forster, author of
heroines.ca, takes a similar stance stating "There are
currently no real women from Canadian history honoured
on any Canadian bank notes."

This got me thinking about what it actually means to be a
Canadian. Is it the legalistic possession of citizenship? Is it the
happenstance of being born here? Is it the mere act of living
within Canada's borders? Or is it something else? Let us look
at each of these questions as they relate to Canadian women.

"But the Queen doesn't have Canadian Citizenship!"

Neither did three of the Famous Five since Emily Murphy,
Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards died before
the Canadian Citizenship Act of 1946. Or, for that matter any
of the Canadian women before that. It is not that the Queen's
lack of Canadian citizenship is a result of her having another
citizenship. Her Majesty in fact has NO citizenship (and
travels with a diplomatic passport). This is both to avoid
favouring any of her realms and due to certain legalities of
being the embodiment a country. And it seems rather odd
for Canadians to focus on Her Majesty's lack of citizenship
when we do not think any less of Canadians having dual-
citizenship.

"She wasn't born here!"

Returning to the Famous Five we have Mary Irene Parlby who
was born in England. Nor was Laura Secord and many other
famous Canadian women. A little more than 20% of Canadians were not born on Canadian soil. We have many
new Canadian women who were born elsewheres. Is it right to
consider the Queen to not be Canadian on this basis?

"She doesn't live here!"

Canada has a long tradition of its people living, working, and
retiring outside the country. Sometimes they are away for
extended periods and only returning to Canada for short
homecomings. Emmanuelle Sophie Anne Chriqui, Anna
Paquin, and Carrie Anne Moss are all Canadians that live and
work in the USA.

And then you have Kim Victoria Cattrall who was a) not
born in Canada and b) does not live in Canada and c) has both
Canadian and British citizenship. I think she would be highly
offended if anyone implied she is less of a Canadian than her
peers.

It is also clear that the Queen does considers herself to be a
Canadian. In 1983 Her Majesty remarked that "I am going
home to Canada tomorrow" as she left California. Earlier in
1978 she noted that "I am getting to know our country rather
well."

Or even earlier in 1951 when the young princess remarked
"From the moment when I first set foot on Canadian soil, the
feeling of strangeness went, for I knew myself to be not only
amongst friends, but amongst fellow countrymen."

And in 2010 the Queen reaffirmed this:

"As proud and grateful Canadians, we pause today to mark not only the ninety-
third anniversary of this nation’s victory at Vimy Ridge but also to pay tribute to
the passing of a truly remarkable generation who helped to end the most terrible
conflict the world had ever known[….] This tremendous sacrifice can rightly be
regarded as a defining moment in the history of Canada and is one which we will
never forget. And now, they are gone –and all Canadians mourn our collective loss.
Yet they will remain forever etched in the hearts of a grateful people and on the
pages of our history as symbols of service, honour and dedication. In our minds and
in our hearts always, we will remember them."

I think it is clear that the Queen considers herself Canadian.
Further, I think it is clear we should too. After all, the measure of a Canadian is in their heartfelt commitment to the
betterment of our country. It is in serving your neighbours
and community. It is doing your duty in good times and bad.

The Queen does all these things and more. Her Majesty has
spent her reign trying to bring Canadians together, traveling
the country, learning more about this great country of ours,
and encouraging people to do their best. I'd argue she is no
less a Canadian than you or me. She may in fact be more
Canadian than some who can cling to the fact of having been
born here.

We have one Canadian women on our currency. We can, and
should look to include more. What we shouldn't do is start
denigrating one Canadian women in the process of trying to
get more attention for notable Canadian women and their
contributions to Canada.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

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A Collection of Loyal Quotes: Part Four

3/12/2016

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While I've been doling out quotes a few at a time the
Monarchist League of Canada has an excellent quote page.
It has both some of the Queen's more memorable quotes
about Canada as well as quotes by Canadians about their
monarchy.

"I have a considerable regard for
The Queen and the monarchy
although I’m a New Democrat and a
socialist. I think that the monarchy
has validity at a time when
everything else is flying off in all
directions. I’d like to tell her that
she’s had a tough road and I sure in
hell wouldn’t change places with her.
I admire her stubborn refusal to
break down and take the easy way,
to conform with the constantly
changing public image of how our leaders should act."

~Farley Mowat, author and environmentalist

Photo Credit: Manning Centre

"If you'll forgive me going all
Bagehotian for a moment, in a
country such as Canada, the post-
election Speech from the Throne is
the defining act of constitutional
monarchy: the Queen or her viceroy
comes to parliament to read words
placed in her mouth by the Prime
Minister of her newly elected
government. It's the logical endpoint
of Magna Carta: the state as
servant of the people."

~Mark Steyn, author, journalist, and commentator

"We recall, with great honour, the
political and military bond of
mutual affection and alliance that
has marked the relationship
between the Mohawk people and
the British and Canadian Crown
for the last three centuries."

~R. Donald Maracle, Chief of the Mohawks of Bay of Quinte

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

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Prince Albert's 1859 Address to the British Association for the Advancement of Science

2/20/2016

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Edit: This is only the first part of the Prince's address. I
accidentally posted it before I had copied over the whole
thing. You can read the address in its entirety here while
I slowly transcribe the rest.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

---

Gentlemen of the British Association,

Your kind invitation to me to undertake the office of your
President for the ensuing year could not but startle me on its
first announcement. The high position which science
occupies, the vast number of distinguished men who labour in
her sacred cause, and whose achievements, while spreading
innumerable benefits, justly attract the admiration of mankind, contrasted strongly in my mind with the
consciousness of my own insignificance in this respect. I, a
simple admirer, and would-be student of science, to take the
place of the chief spokesman of the scientific men of the day,
assembled in furtherance of their important objects! - the
thing appeared to me impossible. Yet, on reflection, I came to
the conclusion that, if not as a contributor to, or director of
your labours, I might still be useful to you, useful to science,
by accepting your offer. Remembering that this Association is
a popular Association, not a secret confraternity of men
jealously guarding the mysteries of their profession, but
inviting the uninitiated, the public-at-large, to join them,
having as one of its objects to break down those imaginary
and hurtful barriers which exist between men of science and
so-called men of practice - I felt that I could, from the
peculiar position in which Providence has placed me in this
country, appear as the representative of that large public,
which profits by and admires your exertions, but is unable
actively to join in them; that my election was an act of
humility on your part, which to reject would have looked like
false humility, that is like pride, on mine. But I reflected
further, and saw in my acceptance the means, of which
necessarily so few are offered to Her Majesty, of testifying to
you, through the instrumentality of her husband, that your
labours are not unappreciated by your Sovereign, and that
she wishes her people to know this as well as yourselves.
Guided by these reflections, my choice was speedily made,
for the path of duty lay straight before me.

The Great Exhibition of 1851

If these, however, are the motives which have induced me to
accept your flattering offer of the presidency, a request on my
part is hardly necessary that you will receive my efforts to
fulfill its duties with kind indulgence.

If it were possible for anything to make me still more aware
how much I stand in need of this indulgence, it is the
recollection of the person whom I have to succeed as your
President - a man of whom this country is justly proud, and
whose name stands among the foremost of the Naturalists in
Europe for his patience in investigation, conscientiousness in
observation, boldness of imagination, and acuteness in
reasoning. You have no doubt listened with pleasure to his
parting address, and I beg to thank him for the flattering
manner in which he has alluded to me in it.

The Association meets for the first time today in these regions
and in this ancient and interesting city. The Poet, in his works
of fiction, has to choose, and anxiously to weigh, where to lay
his scene, knowing that, like the Painter, he is thus laying in
the background of his picture, which will give tone and colour
to the whole. The stern and dry reality of life is governed by
the same laws, and we are here living, feeling, and thinking
under the influence of the local impressions of this northern
seaport. The choice appears to me a good one. The travelling
Philosophers have had to come far, but in approaching the
Highlands of Scotland they meet nature in its wild and
primitive form, and Nature is the object of their studies. The
Geologist will not find many oddities in yonder mountains,
because he will stand there on the bare backbone of the globe;
but the Primary rocks which stand out in their nakedness,
exhibit the grandeur and beauty of their peculiar form, and in
the splendid quarries of this neighbourhood are seen to
peculiar advantage the closeness and hardness of their mass,
and their inexhaustible supply for the use of man, made
available by the application of new mechanical powers.

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A Collection of Loyal Quotes: Part Three

1/16/2016

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I recently finished re-reading 'Bennett: The Rebel Who
Challenged And Changed A Nation' by John Boyko on the life
of R.B. Bennett. Perhaps Canada's most misunderstood Prime
Minister. I start off this collection of loyal quotes with his
feelings towards the Crown.

"Perhaps you would permit me to add
that I valued very highly the
opportunity so freely given to discuss
with my Sovereign matters of concern. I
state the simple truth when I write that I
came away from the Castle with an even
deeper feeling of affection and devotion
for my King and Queen, and I shall
continue to aspire more earnestly to
serve the Crown to the best of my ability,
sustained by the conviction that my Royal Master expects
His servants to do the best within them."

~R.B. Bennett, 11th Prime Minister of Canada (Tory)

House of Commons photo

"When we look at the history of Queen
Elizabeth and her family, it is truly an
amazing history to be able to live in the
time of her life and see what she has
done from June 2, 1952, on to today and
for the years to come. She has been a
symbol of grace and a symbol of
wondrous achievement in what she has
done. With her respect for all peoples, all
religions, all languages, the
Commonwealth, family and, above all,
her faith, she has been what I would call
a beacon of light and a beacon of hope
for all people, not just of the Commonwealth but of the
world. She has truly lived her life in the service of her
country and the Commonwealth. That is much to the chagrin
of many people. People in the United States, for example,
would love to have someone like Queen Elizabeth as their
head of state, as she truly resembles tradition from long
ago."

~Peter Stoffer, politician and veterans advocate

Green Party photo

"This brings us all together, and as
other members have said, the fact is the
Queen is beyond partisanship, beyond
rancour, plays no role in our domestic
politics but sets an example. When we
all take our oath as members of
Parliament, we swear one thing only,
and that is our allegiance to Her
Majesty the Queen. We do this again
today as we recognize, celebrate and
commend an extraordinary woman on 60 years on the
throne. Long may she reign. Long live the Queen."

~Elizabeth May, politician, lawyer, and writer

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

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Prince Charles Addresses COP21 Conference in Paris

11/30/2015

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Photo Credit: The BBC

Prince Charles addressed the
COP21 Conference on climate
change today. In his speech His
Royal Highness urged the
gathered national leaders to
commit to fighting climate
change.

This is an issue with which the
Prince has a lot of experience.
The Prince has been sounding
alarm bells long before it was
fashionable to do so.

The Prince's Speech

Below is a partial transcript of the remarks made by the
Prince of Wales. A video of the opening minute of his speech
can be found here. Link

Your deliberations over the next two weeks will decide the fate,
not only of those alive today, but also of generations yet unborn.
So I can only urge you to think of your grandchildren, as I think
of mine, and those billions of people without a voice. Those for
whom hope is the rarest of sensations. Those for whom a secure
life is a distant prospect. Most of all, I urge you to consider the
needs of the youngest generation. Because none of us has the
right to assume that for our today they should give up their
tomorrow.

The Prince went on to say that "On an increasingly crowded
planet, humanity faces many threats - but none is greater
than climate change, it magnifies every hazard and tension
of our existence." Further, the Prince pointed out that climate
change will stress civil society to the breaking point:
"It threatens our ability to feed ourselves; to remain healthy and safe from extreme weather; to manage the natural resources that support our economies, and to avert the humanitarian disaster of mass migration and increasing conflict."

All of which is consistent with what the Prince has been saying for years. But sadly Prince Charles has had to play the
part of a political Cassandra, more often mocked for his
views than respected.

Shortly after the address Philippe Joubert, Chair of The
Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group, remarked that
while success in putting a price on carbon would be good,
doing so while also continuing to subsidize carbon sources
makes no sense.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

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Canadian Federal Parties Reveal Stances on the Monarchy

9/28/2015

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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

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A Collection of Loyal Quotes: Part Two

12/18/2014

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I recently took a look at openparliament.ca and I have to say it is an amazing resource for finding out what MPs think about on any given subject. Check it out if you have the chance. This batch of quotes starts off with statements made by Jack Layton of the New Democrats (as a side note: Have Canadians settled on 'Dipper' as the nickname for NDP supporters?).

"Some people think the NDP may want to get rid of the monarchy but I can assure you that that's absolutely not the case. My Dad was a big time monarchist and so am I."

"Well, I think the idea of having a constitutional monarchy rather than a republic has worked pretty well for Canada. I do believe that Canadians struggle, as the years go by, with the issue of relevancy. On the other hand I think we've had Governor-Generals and certainly our current Governor-General would be a good example, of someone representing the Crown- I don't mean an individual but the phenomenon, the concept of our collective statehood- in kind of an interesting way. I don't hear from Canadians the sound of a stampede to make a change. It comes up from time to time. I feel that we've got precious amount of debate time and work time in parliament and there are a lot of issues that come before reform to the constitutional monarchy."

~Jack Layton, Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition

"In a government like ours, the Crown is the abiding and unshakable element in government; politicians may come and go, but the Crown remains and certain aspects of our system pertain to it which are not dependent on any political party. In this sense, the Crown is the consecrated spirit of Canada."

~Robertson Davies, novelist, playwright, and professor

"By my count, the Deputy Prime Minister has sworn an oath of loyalty and service to Her Majesty no fewer than four times in the last two years, yet he has used his position as a minister of the Crown as a podium from which to rail against our history and our heritage. The minister says that instead of the monarchy he would prefer an entirely Canadian institution, but he fails to recognize that the monarchy is as Canadian as the House of Commons itself."

~Elsie Wayne, politician, and businesswomen

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

1 Comment

Mailbox Cleanout

11/29/2014

1 Comment

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

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New Democratic Party Leadership Race: Views on the Monarchy

The Emailed Question & Responses

Crown & Cap Scoreboard

NDP Supporters and Monarchists Quotes

Monarchist Profile: Elsie Wayne

Canadian Women on our Currency...

A Collection of Loyal Quotes: Part Four

Prince Albert's 1859 Address to the British Association for the Advancement of Science

A Collection of Loyal Quotes: Part Three

Prince Charles Addresses COP21 Conference in Paris

The Prince's Speech

Canadian Federal Parties Reveal Stances on the Monarchy

Conservative Party

Green Party

Liberal Party

New Democratic Party

A Collection of Loyal Quotes: Part Two

Mailbox Cleanout

2012 NDP Leadership Race

2013 Liberal Leadership Race

2014 New Brunswick Election

2014 Yellowhead By-election

Others

Conclusions

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​The Emailed Question & Responses

Crown & Cap Scoreboard

NDP Supporters and Monarchists Quotes

The Prince's Speech

Conservative Party

Green Party

Liberal Party

New Democratic Party

2012 NDP Leadership Race

2013 Liberal Leadership Race

2014 New Brunswick Election

2014 Yellowhead By-election

Others

Conclusions

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Archives

Categories

The Emailed Question & Responses