LETTER

$10,000 to end British monarchy in Canada

 

While the federal government invites British princes and princesses to mark the 150th anniversary of our Confederation, Republic Now's campaign to give Canada a head of state of its own has achieved a fundraising milestone. The “Canada doesn’t need a king” campaign has exceeded $10,000 in support through an online crowdfunding platform, GoFundMe. This marks the half-way point in our goal in just a few weeks, money which is earmarked for bus banner ads featuring a cautionary image of Britain's Prince Charles on our $20 banknote. The ad message is clear: Canada doesn't need a king from England. Our next head of state should be Canadian, not another British monarch.

Nearly a century and a half ago, a federal union was born that would eventually become the largest democratic country on Earth. Since 1867, we have secured independence from Britain, established sovereignty and citizenship, embraced the Maple Leaf flag, seized control of our Constitution, and penned a Charter of Rights that has had influence around the world. The one step we have yet to take in our national evolution is to institute our own head of state.

While Canada is an independent, democratic land, our highest office is neither. We look to a palace in a foreign country to fill the position based on birthright, alone. Polls show a majority of Canadians want a head of state who shares our citizenship, lives here, and is chosen democratically, based on merit.

It's important to begin considering our options now. Queen Elizabeth, much-admired and now in her 90s, is British, and, like her heirs Charles and William, does not represent Canada. Yet the federal government is turning to the House of Windsor to mark our sesquicentennial, pulling attention, once more, away from our national celebration. Meantime, Canadians and would-be citizens are asked to swear an eternal oath to overseas royalty, deflecting our patriotism, as we plagiarize another country's head of state.  

Our country deserves better. As we begin our 150th year, this month, Republic Now calls on citizens to join us in working to complete the nation-building that began in 1867, and ensure we have seen the last British monarch to reign over Canada.

"Canada doesn't need a king" ad campaign fund:
https://www.gofundme.com/nokingofcanadahttps://www.gofundme.com/nokingofcanada

Wayne Adam
Ottawa