Elizabeth II visited no other country of the many members of the Commonwealth as often as Canada. Nevertheless, some can now imagine a republic there.
Ottawa, September 9, 2022. The Canadian flag was flown at half-staff at Parliament, all federal buildings and embassies around the world following the death of Queen Elizabeth. “She was one of my favorite personalities,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, visibly moved by the deceased. “She served us with strength and courage for 70 years.”
Canada mourns the loss of its head of state. For Canada is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. It consists of former British colonies, which from 1867 gradually merged to form the “Dominion of Canada”. Canada is one of the 15 members of the Commonwealth, which is governed by the British monarchy. She had traveled to no other country as often as Canada.
Mary Simon, as Governor General, is the representative of the monarchy in Canada and carries out the official duties of the head of state. “Her Majesty celebrated our achievements, stood by us in difficult times and inspired us with her unwavering dedication to service,” said Simon, who is the first Indigenous figure to hold the office.
The Crown had made treaties with the First Nations and established special relationships between the Canadian state and the indigenous people, dating back to the days before Canada’s founding as a state. During her visits, the Queen had repeatedly sought contact with Canada’s indigenous people. People across the country are saddened by her death, and many remember encounters with the queen. Nine out of ten Canadians, it was said, have only experienced her as a monarch.
There is also a republican movement in Canada that is calling for a truly Canadian head of state and the end of the monarchy in Canada. Polls from early 2021 suggested only a third of the population believe their country will remain a monarchy for generations to come. Reservations about the monarchy are particularly strong in predominantly French-speaking Québec. It is appreciated there, however, that the Queen spoke fluent French and showed it during her visits there. So far, however, there has not been a debate about converting Canada into a republic. At first, sadness prevails.
