Well, it has been a bit of a wait but Mr.
Obhrai has gotten back to me with an
answer to my inquiry. I don't mind
waiting (especially if it leads to quality
responses) and I thank him for taking the
time to write back. Mr. Obhrai's response to
my question on the monarchy (and other
questions I had) was the most detailed by
far. So, what are Mr. Obhrai's views on the
monarchy?
Obhrai has gotten back to me with an
answer to my inquiry. I don't mind
waiting (especially if it leads to quality
responses) and I thank him for taking the
time to write back. Mr. Obhrai's response to
my question on the monarchy (and other
questions I had) was the most detailed by
far. So, what are Mr. Obhrai's views on the
monarchy?
"I was born and raised under colonial rule and when Tanzania became independent
they cut ties to the Monarchy. It gave them a great deal of self-pride. However in
Canada and my 20 years in Parliament, 10 of which were on the Foreign Affairs
portfolio, I have come to see Monarchy as a stabilizing factor in our country which
is a federation of different provinces. Why I say stabilizing factor is because of the
example of Australia, whose people voted to cut ties with the Monarchy but could
not agree on how to replace it. The debate in Canada would tear our country apart,
hence my support for stability."
Ok, there is a lot to unpack here. I can sort of understand Mr.
Obhrai's views vis-a-vis Tanzania. And arguably Tanzania has
managed reasonably well in spite of being a republic.
And while I can appreciate the sentiment that the monarchy
encourages stability, I don't know if linking it to being unable
to agree on an alternative is a strong reason. Especially when
there are so many better reasons to support monarchy.
It is also interesting to note the implication of his statement
that his time in Parliament made him appreciate the
monarchy more.
As with the other candidates I examined the Hansard to see
what Mr. Obhrai has said about the monarchy. Last year he
stood in the House to wish Her Majesty a happy birthday
(which now that I think about it has actually been somewhat
uncommon among the candidates). Going back further Mr.
Obhrai made the following comment in 1998:
Obhrai's views vis-a-vis Tanzania. And arguably Tanzania has
managed reasonably well in spite of being a republic.
And while I can appreciate the sentiment that the monarchy
encourages stability, I don't know if linking it to being unable
to agree on an alternative is a strong reason. Especially when
there are so many better reasons to support monarchy.
It is also interesting to note the implication of his statement
that his time in Parliament made him appreciate the
monarchy more.
As with the other candidates I examined the Hansard to see
what Mr. Obhrai has said about the monarchy. Last year he
stood in the House to wish Her Majesty a happy birthday
(which now that I think about it has actually been somewhat
uncommon among the candidates). Going back further Mr.
Obhrai made the following comment in 1998:
"Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the minister of fisheries. First, this government
forgot Christmas and Easter on the heritage calendar. Now we have been
harpooned. This government has announced that the Prince of “Whales” is coming
to town. Is there something this minister should be telling us about Moby Dick? Is
this some secret code name for a plan to finally stop U.S. overfishing off the west
coast?"
More recently Mr. Obhrai defended the Crown's honour when
a bill was brought before Parliament attempting to blame it
for the Deportation of the Acadians.
Overall, I'd say Mr. Obhrai is someone slowly moving towards
a greater appreciation of Canada's monarchy.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
a bill was brought before Parliament attempting to blame it
for the Deportation of the Acadians.
Overall, I'd say Mr. Obhrai is someone slowly moving towards
a greater appreciation of Canada's monarchy.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
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