Support builds for the idea of a Canadian Republic

This from a “web exclusive” column by Anthony Westell on the Globe and Mail’s website. An excerpt:

Liberal governments have been slowly dismantling the colonial connection for many years, often in the face of opposition by Conservative loyalists. Prime minister Lester Pearson replaced our old national flag, based on the British red ensign, with the Maple Leaf. The opposition was fierce, but now the red-and-white flag is flown with pride everywhere. Mr. Trudeau went a step further with the Constitution.

The argument can be made that the Queen has served us so well that we should wait for her reign to end before ending the monarchy in Canada, but might not that be seen as a rejection of her successor? Ending the monarchy would not necessarily cut all Canada’s links to Buckingham Palace; like other former British colonies, we could still recognize the Queen as head of the Commonwealth.

Of course, it’s easy to write about ending our monarchy, but it would be immensely difficult to bring it about. There would have to be a powerful consensus on a new republican system, and then changes to the Constitution. Only public opinion could override political opposition.

We were going on about the same topic during the winter (see post “The Canadian Republic“, March 28-07), and I must admit to feeling more certain about it than ever. But the battle will be no less divisive than the debate coming about taxpayer funds going to faith-based schools.

MRM