Charles III’s accession to the throne has led many of us to reconsider our country’s ties to the British monarchy. A 2023 survey by Leger Marketing says 81% of Canadians feel no attachment to the institution that has governed us – if only on paper – since the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. A strange position for a 21st-century Western democracy.
Barbados separated from the monarchy in 2021, becoming a parliamentary republic. Practically speaking, their system isn’t far from ours. The only change would be the full Canadianization of our head of state – that is to say, a complete split between monarch and governor-general.
The most common objection cites Section 41(a) of Canada’s Constitution: amendments to “the office of the Queen, the Governor General and the Lieutenant Governor of a province” require the unanimous consent of “the Senate and House of Commons and of the legislative assembly of each province”. Considering recent polls, however (like the one mentioned above), obtaining that consent might be easier than many people think. It’s reasonable to assume our representatives share the majority’s views, since they’re elected by the majority – as should be our head of state.
The time has come for Canada to take the last step to full independence. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees.
Tanis Cortens
Sooke