Category: Quotes

Candidates in Airdrie-Cochrane on the Canadian Monarchy

4/2/2019

Airdrie-Cochrane is just north of Calgary

Perhaps it is because I lived
in Alberta a number of years
ago or maybe it is because I
still have family living there
but I find it very easy to get
dragged into their political
discussions. The recent
Alberta election has not been
any different. And, as is my
tradition, I began surveying
various candidates on
where they stand on the
Canadian Monarchy.

As always the question asked was simple:
What are your views on the monarchy?

Follow-up questions were not asked. Each candidate was
permitted to say as much or as little they wanted on the topic.

Steve Durrell (NDP)

Contacted via: Facebook

"Hi, the monarchy and Canada's
relationship with it, is of federal
concern, and the Alberta New
Democratic Party has no position
on it."

(Full disclosure: This is a friend of a friend of mine)
I'll note this is not entirely true. Her Majesty also serves as
Queen in right of Alberta. Much as federalism splits the roles
of government between federal and provincial levels, the
office of the Crown can also be said to be split. As such the
monarchy functions in Alberta in much the same way as it
does at the federal level. It should also be noted that I didn't
ask what the NDP's views on the monarchy are.

Peter Guthrie (UCP)

Contacted via: Facebook

"The monarchy is symbolic in
Canada."

A tad short but it will do. Often this type of comment is made
as a criticism (perhaps not in this case though). It shouldn't
be. Symbols are an important part of governance. When the
government invited the Queen to address the legislative
assembly during the 100th anniversary of Alberta's entry into
Confederation it was a symbol of the provincial pride in all it
has accomplished.

Matthew Morrisey (FCP)

Contacted via: Telephone

"I like the tradition of it. I swore an
oath to defend Queen and country
when I was in the Canadian Armed
Forces"

(Full disclosure: I am related to this candidate)
I think this is where many Canadians stand. They don't have a
great appreciation for the constitutional and legal roles of the
monarchy but they like that it makes Canada a little bit
different. I have also noticed that those who have actually
gotten to see how the monarchy infuses our system first hand
of government are the ones who have a stronger support for
it.

Vern Raincock (AP)

Contacted via: Email

"To be honest - given the
circumstances that we find
ourselves within Alberta - I have
not even considered a position on
the Monarchy and the impact the
Monarchy may or may not have on
our every day lives."

Mr. Raincock's first email to me actually asked what he should
consider in regard to Canada's ties to the monarchy. And if I
wasn't collecting survey responses at the time I certainly
would have. But I held back. Maybe I'll send him some links
to arguments in favour of the monarchy. Maybe I'll
send him some quotes by prominent Canadians. Or
maybe I'll just recommend an interesting book I've read.

I think this pretty much wraps up this blog's coverage of the
Alberta election. It has been an enlightening, if not always
comfortable, experience.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

0 Comments

My First Hate Mail!

1/22/2019

2 Comments

There are milestones in every bloggers life; the first post, first
like, first comment, first re-tweet, first 1000 daily views. All
have long-since been surpassed by this blog. But there is one
milestone that has remained stubbornly out of reach: hate
mail. If I sound disappointed, I am. One sign that my blog is
getting views outside of my typical audience would be an
increase in hostile messaging and posts. That has been absent,
until now.

We are quite amused.

There are a lot of ways to respond to hate
mail. I could ignore it but that is very low
effort, even for me. Or I can take an idea
from a certain YouTube channel and just
mock it. Sadly, the fine gentleman that
put in a great deal of effort to contact me
didn't give me a lot to work with. And I
am not nearly as clever or funny as the
Youtuber linked to above. Perhaps this
type of comedy actually requires having
a British accent. But enough delaying!

Bill Malcolm

Hello Bill.

Your Leave a Comment form doesn't work. Press submit and zilch. So here goes:

Poking it with your finger doesn't work either.

I don't know what to tell you.
People have managed to figure
out how to post comments
both before and after the last
time you told me about this
problem. I can only assume it
is a problem on your end. Did
you remember to fill out the
required boxes and hit the
Submit button (with your
cursor, not your head). I've
included a helpful diagram for
you. Hopefully this simple process will give you no trouble in
the future.

Another highly irrelevant post about something that matters not a twiddley-dum,
twiddley-dee in the scheme of things these days. The UK's falling to bits and all you
offer amounts to an explanation why Entertainment Tonight and all the gossip
rags treat this bunch of dough-heads as if they were important or something.
Celebrities, no more no less[,] and just as empty between their lugholes.

I, too, like to meddle.

Perhaps the title of the blog (at the top
of the page) is unclear. Brexit for all its
insanity isn't a topic for this blog. But
you might be happy to know I have
sent advice to MPs in Britain on how
they might get a better Brexit deal. It
would screw over the European Union
pretty hard so depending on your
stance on that organization maybe you
won't be happy after all. Perhaps I
should write some editorials on that
idea too. Hmm...

On a progressive blog, no less, where something a bit more enlightening than tired
old arguments dredged up for the 15th time justifying keeping this lot in clover
would be appreciated.

I provide a variety of arguments and for the most part avoid
the one's put forward by the Monarchist League. You can view
all of them on the Arguments For Monarchy page.

Listen, mate, I was born in the UK in the forties and nobody gave a damn then,
except for the brief period when the king died and Elizabeth was crowned Queen
the next year.

Forties? That would make you 50 or 60 years old! (EDIT: Bill
has pointed out he is in fact 72. The author regrets the error)
Perhaps a more respectful tone is required for someone who
has a solid 40 years on me. Mr. Malcolm, do you think I talk
monarchy with everyone I know? Not in the slightest. I have
about three people I know for which the Canadian Monarchy
is a topic of conversation. All of them younger than yourself.
Have you considered that your views are generational in
nature and not a good representation of wide public opinion?

My parents didn't and they were well-educated. We came to Canada in the late
fifties; I returned for five years from 1969. How much did the Brits natter on about
the monarchy while I was there? Zilch. Not my relatives, not my friends, not a soul.
At the end of movies at theatres while God Save The Queen was played, people still
moved to the exits. Standing up, chest out, stomach in, to honour the Queen was not
exactly top of anyone's list.

I don't exactly talk to my family about the monarchy either.
But with opinion polls consistently showing 75+% in favour of
retaining the monarchy it would seem there is a lot of silent
support.

I couldn't care less one way or the other about the monarchy. If the British
government want to keep them, fine. But to have some colonial stand up and natter
on about the wonderfulness of it all is a bit too much for me to bear.

Bear it you shall. For I have no intention of stopping.

Irrelevant to Canadians from beginning to end. Go and do something useful for a
change.

It is kind of you to be concerned how I spend my time. But
working full time, organizing a candidates debate in my
riding, running in an election, organizing a second trip to
Japan, and making a business plan still leaves me with the
free time to write this blog while also wasting hours on video
games. And my traffic stats contradict your 'irrelevancy'
charge so I think I'll continue doing what I've been doing.

Oh, if you have any influence, get that menace Prince Philip off the road. Him, his
new Landie, and the missing seatbelt.

He has already been talked to about the
seat belt. And we are talking about Prince
Philip here. I'm not sure anyone has
influence over Prince Philip. Maybe the
Queen but she trusts his judgement so I
guess the only one to tell Prince Philip to
get off the road is Prince Philip. I can just
imagine the response to such a request.
I'm sure it would be glorious.

Too pig-headed to apologize, so after two days when the PR types finally got the
Queen to wake up and not appear like she and her hubby actually didn't care about
the mere peon injured when they really didn't, it all seemed highly lame.

Standard legal advice in situations like this is not to apologize
since the courts can, and will, take it as an admission of guilt.
Blame the litigiousness of the Americans for it if you want but
its the world we live in.

As I say, do something profitable with your time. If you want to spend your money
flying to Blighty and standing in the crowd down the Mall to catch a glimpse of
these people while waving a 99p Union Jack, please feel free to do so. But don't
bother documenting it for a political crowd in Canada. WE DON'T CARE.

For someone who doesn't care you spent a fair deal of effort to
contact me and express that opinion. And it is my time, I will
use it on whatever profitable endeavor I wish. And strictly
speaking I have no interest in going to Britain (thank you
though for the invitation).

And I must give you my sincere thanks for providing me with
content for my blog. It was most kind of you. Have a great
day.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

2 Comments

Jagmeet Singh's Reply to the Monarchist League of Canada

12/7/2018

1 Comment

Photo Credit: Yvonne Bambrick

Recently, while doing an interview on the topic of the spending of the
former Governor General Adrienne
Clarkson, Mr. Singh stated that he
did not see the relevancy of the
monarchy and that he was a
republican. Various members of the
Monarchist League of Canada
sought clarification (and probably to
try and convince him to change his
mind). Below is the response that
they received and which the League
shared with its members at noon
today:

Thank you for taking the time to write. We appreciate your views on
the monarchy.
During a recent CTV interview, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh addressed
the concern over the excessive expenses of a former Governor General.
When the discussion led to the role of the monarchy in Canada,
Jagmeet Singh spoke about its relevancy in the 21st century, adding,
that while it may not be a pressing issue for most Canadians, he’s open
to hearing the views of others. But, he clearly said that getting involved
with this issue is not a priority for him or our Party.
Specifically, he said, “We’ve got a democracy and we’re proud of our
democracy, and I think that’s what most Canadians think is important
and I think we should focus on that.”
Jagmeet and his NDP team are staying focused on what’s important to
the lives of everyday Canadians—like paying for groceries and heating
costs, their health issues and those of a family member, and having
enough money to retire. Jagmeet is hearing those concerns as he meets
with Canadians in communities across Canada, listening to what they
need to make life better for their families.
And, he’s inviting all progressives to come together, to help make a
real difference—for more people today, and for future generations.
Thanks again for writing. In the weeks and months ahead, we hope we
can find common ground on other concerns facing our country.
All the best,
Office of Jagmeet Singh
Leader, Canada’s New Democrats

I am going to focus in on a couple small sections of this quote.
"We’ve got a democracy and we’re proud of our democracy,
and I think that’s what most Canadians think is important
and I think we should focus on that." Yes, we should. And a
study from 2008 might interest him. It came to several
interesting conclusions including that "direct election is
associated with increased voter fatigue and decreased
turnout in parliamentary elections by about seven
percentage points" and "because holding the presidency
provides parties with an electoral asset, direct and indirect
presidential elections can be equally contentious and
polarizing". Neither of which are improvements to Canadian
democracy.

Another study earlier this year found that,"We find strong
evidence that monarchies contribute to a greater protection
of property rights and higher standards of living through
each of the three theoretical mechanisms compared to all
republics. We also find that democratic-constitutional
monarchies perform better than non-democratic and
absolute monarchies when it comes to offsetting the negative
effects of the tenure and discretion of the executive branch."
So, yes, democracy makes a country function better but
monarchy makes a democracy function better.

The second section of Mr. Singh's reply I wanted to highlight
was his invitation to "all progressives to come together, to
help make a real difference—for more people today, and for
future generations." All well and good. His stance on the
monarchy is a hindrance to that goal. Because many potential
NDP voters see Canada's monarchy has being helpful to that
laudable goal.

For instance during the NDP Leadership Race Jonathan
Banks noted "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."

Darren Brierley likewise wrote to me stating "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."

There is a slight irony that while repeated political quizzes
over many years consistently place me in the same ideological
camp as the NDP, I have never come close to voting for them.
I find his views on the monarchy highly regrettable but that's
just my view. You know...since he's open to hearing the views
of others and all that.

I wanted to take a second to talk about Patreon. I
write this blog for the sheer joy of it and will
continue to do so even if it doesn't make me a
cent. However, the Monarchist League of
Canada does have a (rather neglected)
Patreon. They do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to
the defence of Canada's monarchy as this timeline and
various other examples can attest. If you are a regular
reader I would like to encourage you to donate to the League.
Every dollar donated helps educate Canadians about their
monarchy and dispel republican ignorance. And that is a
good thing.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

1 Comment

November 12th, 1918

11/12/2018

0 Comments

"If the Allies at the peace table at Versailles
had not imagined that the sweeping away of
long-established dynasties was a form of
progress, and if they had allowed a
Hohenzollern, a Wittelsbach and a Habsburg
to return to their thrones, there would have
been no Hitler. A democratic basis of society
might have been preserved by a crowned Weimar in contact
with the victorious Allies.” ~Winston Churchill, 1946

Yesterday Canada remembered the sacrifices of its armed
forces and marked the 100th anniversary of the end of First
World War. The First World War was won with the blood of
Canadians. It is a great tragedy of history that the day after
November 11th, 1918 marked the beginning of a countdown to
a renewed slaughter.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

0 Comments

Most Monarchist Comment of 2017?

9/18/2018

1 Comment

I have spoken before of how much I like the
site openparliament.ca. There are few
better ways to keep track of what Canadian
politicians are actually saying. I used it a
great deal during my surveys of the
Conservative and NDP leadership
candidates. But then I didn't check it for
almost a year. And that is how I missed this
great comment by Liberal MP Alexandra
Mendès back in November:

"Mr. Speaker, last week our Queen and Prince Philip celebrated their 70th wedding
anniversary. Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh have had the longest
marriage in the history of the British Crown. This is another joyful milestone for
our head of state. Last year, Her Majesty became the first reigning Canadian
monarch to reach 90 years of age. The Globe and Mail stated last July that “The
monarchy is the bedrock of Canada's constitutional order.” I firmly agree, and I
have always believed that. I am proud to be a strong monarchist,
holding firm to the belief that historical continuity is the best anchor
for bold and progressive governance. I would like to express my sincere hope
that Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh will continue to be beacons of love and
devotion for years to come. I send my deep gratitude for such an inspiring life to
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness." [Emphasis Added]

She had also made another comment in 2016 thanking Her
Majesty on her birthday stating: "Our Queen has devoted her
entire adult life to service, a word so often scorned and yet so
notably lived by a sovereign who brilliantly has reinvented
the role to which she was born." These comments are positive
to see when many politicians would not make it a point to
come right out and say they are monarchists. It is especially
rare for a Quebec politician to do so (which is unfortunate). I
will be watching Alexandra Mendès' career with interest going
forward.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

1 Comment

Trudeau's Recent Defence of Monarchy and how it Could be Better

6/29/2018

2 Comments

On Wednesday Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau attended a
youth forum in Toronto where
he was asked about the value of
Canada being a monarchy. His
answer raises some questions.

The recording of the youth forum is available on CPAC with
the relevant section starting at the one hour mark: "What are
your thoughts on monarchy? And also, do you see us freeing
ourselves from paying the English Royal Family taxes in the
future?" Now, this is pedantic but since it comes up so much
I will again note that there is no 'English Royal Family' as
there is no government of England for there to be a royal
family of. It would be more correct to say the 'British Royal
Family', or even the 'Jamaican Royal Family', but in the
Canadian context it is most correct to say the 'Canadian Royal
Family' or simply the 'Royal Family' (since I think most
people will get what you mean). If I were a bit more cynical I
would assume the question is framed this way to deny the
Royal Family's legitimacy as a Canadian institution or to
imply it only matters to one of Canada's ethnic groups. But I
digress.

Trudeau's answer goes off the rails immediately, however.
"Canadians pay minimal amounts to the British Monarchy.
When the Queen is here she becomes the Queen of Canada
and there are costs associated with that." As I was about to
facepalm at the reference to paying taxes to the British
Monarchy Trudeau goes a step further and states that the
Queen somehow only becomes Queen of Canada when she is
here. That is false and Trudeau ought to know it is false. But
I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt since its the
last question of an hour-long Q&A session. He does point out
that he doesn't think eliminating the monarchy is an effective
cost saving measure. Ok, that answer was a little rough
around the edges but he might do better as he goes on.

"The question needs to be; do we need to eliminate the
monarchy from Canada in order to succeed more as a
country? Is the monarchy holding us back in things we
would like to do but are unable to do and succeed as a
country?" He then answers that he is a pragmatic in that he
doesn't see what benefits having a Canadian-born head of
state would bring. He then goes into the more standard
argument that having a head of state that does not involve
themselves politically is a good thing. He touches on how the monarchy's setup today is a tradition going back 150 years
and if we started up a new country today called Canada we
might choose to not have a head of state that lives in a
different country (interestingly he doesn't say he believes we
wouldn't choose to have a monarchy again).

"It isn't harming us or preventing our success." If you want to
listen to the full answer Justin Trudeau gave the link is at the
top of the article. Lets be clear, his answer was an argument
for Canada remaining a monarchy and I will give him credit
for that. But as the Monarchist League of Canada has
pointed out Trudeau seemed to rely more on negative
arguments for the monarchy's defence (ie. arguing against
change rather than arguing for monarchy in its own right).

This is unfortunate as there are a lot of positive arguments for
monarchy. People have made those arguments. Prominent Canadians have made those arguments throughout our
history. It shouldn't be too much to expect our prime minister
to be able to make a positive case for not only keeping our
monarchy but celebrating it.

Perhaps more worrying is his final statements that future
leaders might decide to ending the monarchy is important. If
he made that statement at any other event I wouldn't raise an
eyebrow. But this was a youth forum which presumably has
those future leaders Trudeau was referring to. Was this
statement added in to encourage them to pursue this? I don't
know but the Prime Minister's answers should raise concern.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

2 Comments

The Time A Prince Went Crowd-Surfing

2/22/2018

0 Comments

Edward during the Great War

I am making my way through
David Johnson's new book Battle
Royal when I came across what is
likely the only recorded case of a
royal crowd-surfing. The context
of this event was the 1919 Royal
Tour by Prince Edward (the future
King Edward VIII). The prince was
scheduled to inspect some
veterans of the recently-ended
Great War in Toronto when there
was a slight breakdown in
discipline. It serves as an excellent
example of the fondness our men
and women in uniform continue to
have for their sovereign. Below is
the account Edward recorded in
his memoirs.

"The moment I appeared the veterans broke ranks and,
cheering and yelling, surged around me. At first my mount
showed commendable control. Then, as the human mass
engulfed us both, I felt its body quiver. Fortunately, even if
its instinct had been to rear up and bolt, the crowd held it as
a vise. The next thing I knew I was being lifted off the horse's
back by strong hands and passed like a football over the
heads of the veterans. Disheveled, shaken and breathless, I
eventually found myself on the platform, clutching the
crumpled notes of my speech. The roar of cheering had
changed to laughter. I wish Papa could have seen this."

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

0 Comments

New Democratic Party Leadership Race: Views on the Monarchy

8/16/2017

0 Comments

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

0 Comments

Monarchist Profile: Elsie Wayne

8/29/2016

0 Comments

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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