Contrary to popular belief, Canada's monarchy is not foreign. It has been a part of Canada's history and tradition since the founding of this nation. The current Canadian monarchy differs from the British monarchy because of its different roots and its evolution. Canada's last links with Britain and the British Monarchy were severed with the Statute of Westminster in 1931 (finalized with the 1982 Constitution). From that time forward, the monarchy in Canada has been a Canadian Monarchy, by law and tradition. Canada shares no links with Britain, but rather a monarch -- the same monarch who also reigns in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and countless other nations. By supporting Canada's monarchy, Canadians are supporting Canada and its institutions. It's important to realize that the monarchy is an important factor in the Canadian identity.

2. Why support a foreign/British Queen?

While it is true that Elizabeth II was born in Britain, she is the head of state in Canada. The Queen is not "a foreigner". This is because citizenship is determined by law, not by place of birth or place of ordinary residence. By law, the Queen in right of Canada is a Canadian. Elizabeth II sees Canada as one of her homes, and by tradition, law and history, she is not just the Queen of the United Kingdom, but also the Queen of Canada. Her position in the Canadian government keeps Canada unique and not another cultural colony of the United States.

3. Why keep the links with Britain? 

The only link Canada shares with Britain is that of the Queen, not that of the monarchy. The monarchy has evolved to the point of being entirely Canadian. Besides, Canada shares a Queen not only with Britain but also with New Zealand, Jamaica, Australia, The Bahamas, and countless other ethnically different nations. While anti-monarchists have a xenophobic notion, the monarchical link places Canada ahead of other nations attempting to become global. Canada is already a global nation, sharing a multicultural monarchy with many different nations. Colonialism is dead, the "British monarchy" no longer exists in Canada. Canadians now enjoy their own CANADIAN monarchy.

4. Why not start a resident monarchy?

There has been discussion on this topic. However at present, this is not a viable option. By starting a resident monarchy, Canada will need to change too many things: Change the government of Canada, select a monarch or prince, and dump a hugely popular monarch. This may  cause unnecessary financial and social alarm. The Canadian monarchy as it stands now, provides Canada with an excellent democratic system and is virtually free of charge. YES! Canadians don't pay the Queen anything!

5. Why not a republic?

A republic is fine for some nations, but not Canada. Canada is the neighbour of the world's most dominant republic. As such, the monarchy keeps Canada distinct from the United States. The Canadian monarchy is even more democratic than a republic since the head of state represents all Canadians, and not just those who voted him/her in office (as is the case in republics). Also, by abolishing the monarchy, Canadians will be dumping their past and traditions - the factors which determine nationhood.

6. Doesn't the monarchy cost too much?

This is a huge misconception! Canadians do not pay the Queen or the Royal Family anything. Canadians simply cover the expenses of the Governor-General and Lieutenant Governors. This payment is not in the tens of millions of dollars as is widely believed. Canadian taxpayer in Canada pay roughly $1 - $1.75 per year or roughly $10 million dollars in total per year. Meanwhile, the Americans pay 2-3 times that amount each year to cater their president. The French and Germans pay even more! Canadians do however pay for the Royal visits, which are always profitable for the government. This is  because of the tourist dollars spent by Canadians (and Americans who flock north of the border) to see members of the Royal Family.

7. Isn't the monarchy elitist?

No! While the Queen is an important person in the nation, she is certainly not above the law. One must also not forget that anyone can become the Queen's regal representative (the Governor General). Finally, even in republics, the President is in a higher social class than that of the average citizen.

8. Are monarchies democratic?

While ABSOLUTE monarchies (i.e. Saudi Arabia) are not democratic, Constitutional Monarchies (Canada, the UK, Japan, Sweden, Norway etc...) are the world's most democratic nations. In some constitutional monarchies, the Monarch has extensive "emergency powers", which enable him/her to deal with a corrupt government and promote democracy. Constitutional monarchies also enable a non-political head of state, free from the corruption of politics. Finally, some of the most undemocratic nations of the world (i.e. Iraq, China, Burma etc...) are republics, while most monarchies are democratic. 

9. The monarchy isn't multicultural, is it?

The monarchy represents the majority, if not all Canadians. The Canadian Monarchy has elements of the French and British Monarchy, and is the only part of our government which is respected by most of the aborigines. The Queen herself is quite multicultural, having Albanian, Arab, Armenian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Lithuanian, Mongol, Norman, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Scottish, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, Tartar, Ukrainian and Welsh blood flowing in her veins.

10. Other Commonwealth nations such as Australia and Barbados are becoming republics, why shouldn't Canada follow them?

There is an old saying: "If your friend jumps off a cliff, will you?" While there are plans in Jamaica and Barbados to abolish their respective monarchies, that does not mean that Canada should follow. As for Australia, a referendum in November 1999 on the matter was defeated. The only reason there was a "republican craze" in Australia was because of the relentless pushing of a former republican prime minister. Barbados is also re-writing its constitutions and there are talks of eliminating their monarchy. Again, there is no clear popular support for abolition from the entire population. Whatever the outcome, Canada's monarchy is too important to abolish.

11. How Can I help?

There are many things you can do to help. Sign the Monarchist Petition found on in this site at [ Petition and Charter ]. You can set up your own Canadian Monarchist site, complete with your own petition and spread the idea of our monarchy. If you need any help, feel free to [ contact ] CMO!

12. I have my own question...

Do you have a question not answered here? Click [ HERE ]to send your own question!