I have long been fascinated by the structural forms that provide the illusion of sound governance when daily reality reveals quite different modus operandi (more in a general, not criminal, sense). Writing on this (to myself for now) as part of exploring truth and fiction in the concept of "rule of law" as a presumed safeguard in societies. Is there a similar presumption relative to our past Queen? Was her lauded integrity and symbolic presence, etc. a counter to the egregious performance of various governments, or an enabler, a cover? To that question, does the rule of law provide cover for the slide into fascism seen on a world scale? Pointedly, is that ok if we get there following the rules?
Thanks for your thorough and impressive research on this topic Eric.
Personally, I am not a monarchist - a sentiment shared according to Ipsos by about 54% of Canadians:
"Roughly half (54%) agree (20% strongly/33% somewhat) that now that Queen Elizabeth II's reign has ended, Canada should end its formal ties to the British monarchy. This sentiment is down 5 points from 2021, but up from 44% in 2011.Sept 16, 2022"
That being said, I doubt that Canada will ever manage to extricate herself from the Commonwealth Realm and will continue as a nation to swear allegiance to the British Monarchy as our head of state.
From which I learned to my surprise, that "the Commonwealth of Nations (54 members)" and the "Commonwealth Realm" (14 members,including Canada) differ.. Only the 14 members of the Realm have British monarch as head of state . (I had until now, mistakenly thought all did)
"However, 14 members still do recognize the monarch. Known as the Commonwealth realms, these countries include Australia, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, and—for now, at least—Antigua and Barbuda."
But... I digress (lol) Just thought you might find some of this interesting.
To return to your question: my answer is that on a municipal level and probably on provincial; I'm not concerned one way or the other, if elected officials take Oath of Allegiance.
I was unclear from your article, and haven't yet looked up - for those who swore Oath of Office - is it a set oath... ? What's the wording? For those swearing Oath of Allegiance, do they also swear Oath of Office?
I certainly attach much more importance to an oath of office (if only we could hold those swearing them, to be accountable....)
And yes, generally, I think it's a once in 4 yrs issue :) I don't think those working to abolish the monarchy in Canada will gain much traction - although everyone (myself included) seems to have an opinion on the matter.
It was interesting to see the split of which newly elected swore the allegiance and which didn't!!!!
I have long been fascinated by the structural forms that provide the illusion of sound governance when daily reality reveals quite different modus operandi (more in a general, not criminal, sense). Writing on this (to myself for now) as part of exploring truth and fiction in the concept of "rule of law" as a presumed safeguard in societies. Is there a similar presumption relative to our past Queen? Was her lauded integrity and symbolic presence, etc. a counter to the egregious performance of various governments, or an enabler, a cover? To that question, does the rule of law provide cover for the slide into fascism seen on a world scale? Pointedly, is that ok if we get there following the rules?
Interest from Brian Klaas: https://brianklaas.substack.com/p/to-break-democracy-break-information
Thanks for your thorough and impressive research on this topic Eric.
Personally, I am not a monarchist - a sentiment shared according to Ipsos by about 54% of Canadians:
"Roughly half (54%) agree (20% strongly/33% somewhat) that now that Queen Elizabeth II's reign has ended, Canada should end its formal ties to the British monarchy. This sentiment is down 5 points from 2021, but up from 44% in 2011.Sept 16, 2022"
https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/canadians-conflicted-on-future-role-of-monarchy#:~:text=Roughly%20half%20(54%25)%20agree,up%20from%2044%25%20in%202011.
That being said, I doubt that Canada will ever manage to extricate herself from the Commonwealth Realm and will continue as a nation to swear allegiance to the British Monarchy as our head of state.
Came across this interesting article
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/how-the-commonwealth-of-nations-arose-from-a-crumbling-british-empire
From which I learned to my surprise, that "the Commonwealth of Nations (54 members)" and the "Commonwealth Realm" (14 members,including Canada) differ.. Only the 14 members of the Realm have British monarch as head of state . (I had until now, mistakenly thought all did)
"However, 14 members still do recognize the monarch. Known as the Commonwealth realms, these countries include Australia, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, and—for now, at least—Antigua and Barbuda."
But... I digress (lol) Just thought you might find some of this interesting.
To return to your question: my answer is that on a municipal level and probably on provincial; I'm not concerned one way or the other, if elected officials take Oath of Allegiance.
I was unclear from your article, and haven't yet looked up - for those who swore Oath of Office - is it a set oath... ? What's the wording? For those swearing Oath of Allegiance, do they also swear Oath of Office?
I certainly attach much more importance to an oath of office (if only we could hold those swearing them, to be accountable....)
And yes, generally, I think it's a once in 4 yrs issue :) I don't think those working to abolish the monarchy in Canada will gain much traction - although everyone (myself included) seems to have an opinion on the matter.
It was interesting to see the split of which newly elected swore the allegiance and which didn't!!!!
Cheers, Maggie
Thank you very much for this. I will add a correction addition to the article to clarify.