Saturday May 17, 2025
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 17, 2025
Victoria Day Vindication
As Canadians ready themselves for the long-awaited May two-four weekend, a celebration traditionally filled with barbecues, beer, and the unofficial launch of summer, this year’s observance takes on a deeper resonance. Victoria Day, a holiday that honours the long-deceased Queen Victoria, has evolved over time to become a moment of reflection on our nation’s heritage, rather than merely a nod to our constitutional monarchy.
However, in 2025, amidst a backdrop of strained relations with our southern neighbour, the United States, this holiday carries heightened significance. The recent tensions, sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports and his dismissive rhetoric about Canada as the “51st state,” underscore a growing need for Canada to affirm its sovereignty and unique identity.
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President Trump’s affinity for monarchy and grand ceremonies, recently illustrated during his tour of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where he was enveloped in luxurious tributes and golden welcomes, contrasts sharply with Canada’s steadfast commitment to its own democratic principles and global partnerships. His anticipated state visit to the United Kingdom, featuring dinner with King Charles III, further emphasizes his penchant for spectacle over substance.
In this climate, the upcoming Speech from the Throne, presided over by Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and featuring the King’s speech, serves as a powerful reminder of our rich history and sovereign status. It is a moment that not only honours our past but also projects our commitment to an independent future on the global stage.
Prime Minister Carney’s recent meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office, where he firmly stated that “Canada is not for sale,” encapsulates the spirit of resilience and dignity that defines our nation. As we mark Victoria Day, we do so with the understanding that our ties to the monarchy are part of a broader tapestry of national identity, one that embraces diversity, democracy, and international cooperation.
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The rhetoric of reducing Canada to a mere extension of the United States must come to an end. Our nation, with its rich history as an old confederation and a proud member of the global community, stands firm in its values and principles. This Victoria Day, as Canadians gather to celebrate with family and friends, let us also take a moment to reflect on the significance of our sovereignty, the strength of our alliances, and the enduring legacy of our constitutional traditions.
In recognizing these truths, we honour not only our past but also our present and future as a nation that commands respect and partnership, not as a subordinate, but as an equal on the world stage.