Monarchy vs Republic The Debate in Canada Monarchy

Monarchy vs. Republic The Debate in Canada

Monarchy in Canada �the BNA Act, 1867 also officially established Canada as a constitutional monarchy, and the British monarch as the Canadian Head of State. �represented in Canada by the Governor General (federally) and Lieutenant Governors (provincially/territorially). �officially, the British monarchy is the executive authority �in practice, however, executive and legislative power was exercised by the country’s elected legislatures (the federal House of Commons and the provincial/territorial legislatures) and their respective cabinets

Monarchy as the Head of State act as a symbol of the Canadian state and nation represents institutions, peoples, traditions, etc. the monarch holds no political power

Monarchs in Canada Since 1867, Canada has had six monarchs Four Kings Two Queens

Victoria: 1837 -1901

Edward VII: 1901 -1910

George V: 1910 -1936

Edward VIII: 1936 Abdication

George VI: 1936 -1952

Elizabeth II: 1952 - Present

Heirs to The British Throne Prince Charles Prince William

Public Opinion in Canada �in 2009 survey found Queen Elizabeth II to be the person second-most trusted by Canadians, following behind David Suzuki �an October 2009 poll found that more than 60% of Canadians felt that constitutional monarchy was an outdated form of government �polls also found that nearly 60% approved of Prince Charles becoming king � 53% desired a severance of "ties" to the monarchy � 49% wanted Canada to be a republic with an elected head of state

Become a Republic or Keep Monarchy? �Get into groups �Select a writer and a presenter �Record the pros of keeping the Monarchy �Record the pros of becoming a Republic �Come to a consensus on what Canada should do with the Monarchy �Explain WHY you came to that decision �Be ready defend your decision