coronation

Saturday May 20, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 20, 2023

Celebrating Victoria Day with a Hint of Irony: Should Canada Ditch the Monarchy?

May 6, 2023

As Canada joyfully celebrates the long-standing tradition of Victoria Day, it’s worth pondering the irony of a nation divided on the issue of recognizing Charles as the King of Canada. According to an Angus Reid survey, 60 percent of respondents oppose Charles taking the throne. However, what’s truly intriguing is the surge in undecided individuals, with 30 percent of the population unsure about this matter.

Why such indecisiveness? Is it due to apathy or the belief that there are more pressing priorities? Or perhaps, it stems from a lack of understanding about the alternatives to monarchy and how a transition would occur. Without a clear understanding of how Canada’s Constitution and government would function without the monarchy, making an informed decision becomes challenging. Furthermore, little has been discussed about the cost implications or the value a different system would bring.

January 23, 2021

Comparing the costs, it becomes evident that monarchy is more economical. The British monarchy, for instance, costs taxpayers $80 million, whereas presidents in other countries can cost hundreds of millions of dollars. In Canada, the combined cost of the governor general and lieutenant-governors amounts to just over half of what the British monarchy expenses. Are Canadian taxpayers willing to quadruple the cost to establish a republic?

Article: Victoria Day: Its royal roots have changed over the years  

Beyond the financial aspect, there are valuable attributes associated with constitutional monarchies. Transparency International, a watchdog organization, affirms that constitutional monarchies are more stable and transparent compared to other forms of governance. Monarchs transcend politics and can represent all citizens, avoiding the polarization seen during elections. Their sponsorship of important causes, such as climate change, youth empowerment, mental health, and more, brings attention and support to critical issues within the Commonwealth.

November 1, 2018

Moreover, the survey fails to highlight the specific objections people have against the monarchy. Vague statements like “it’s time” or “it’s outdated” do not provide substantial reasons and overlook the fact that our parliamentary system developed in conjunction with the monarchy. Instead of abolishing the Crown, amendments to the oath could address concerns without disrupting the foundation of our Constitution. The Crown, as a legal entity, underpins our constitutional framework, and dismantling it could potentially fracture the nation further.

June 10, 2022

The large number of undecided individuals underscores the prevailing problem of ignorance. Many Canadians lack knowledge about the role of the Crown and the constitutional processes required for amendments. Familiarity with the history of constitutional conferences leading to 1982 and their implications for interprovincial relations is essential. Educating Canadians about the Constitution, the Crown, and the significance of the King and his deputies is crucial for informed decision-making.

Some suggest a nationwide referendum to gauge support for opening the constitutional debate. However, each province would need its own referendum to guide its legislature, as each province must decide whether to support constitutional changes. While adjustments can be made without overhauling the Constitution entirely, the increased costs associated with a republic, additional elections, and constitutional conferences must be considered, particularly during times of economic challenges and healthcare crises.

News: Immigrants, people of colour are biggest fans of the monarchy in Canada: poll  

April 26, 2001

Ultimately, the cries of “Charles is not my king!” and the declining support for King Charles III do not provide substantial evidence to abolish the monarchy. This ancient institution, adapted to the demands of the 21st century, has proven to be remarkably successful. Monarchies consistently rank among the best countries to live in, boasting prosperity, equality, and democracy. The secret lies in their ability to preserve tradition while embracing change, offering a beautiful solution to governance challenges.

Starting from scratch, one may not choose a monarchy for Canada. Yet, centuries of history, practice, and experience have shaped a prosperous nation. Rather than breaking the system that has led to remarkable success, it is wiser to build upon it. So, as we celebrate Victoria Day, let’s reflect on the irony of questioning the monarchy’s place in Canada and appreciate the heritage that has brought us this far. (AI)

 

Tuesday May 9, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 9, 2023

Ontario’s Greenbelt: A Crown Jewel Under Threat

March 23, 2023

Doug Ford’s ties to Greenbelt developers have been in the spotlight for months, but the actual land that will be lost is often overlooked. About 5,000 acres of prime farmland in Pickering, part of the world’s largest Greenbelt, are expected to be paved over for housing. Victor Doyle, the planner who designed the original Greenbelt map, emphasizes that this area should be preserved, as it not only offers excellent farmland but also supports and protects the adjacent Rouge National Park. Doyle warns that putting housing here will contaminate the watershed that flows into Lake Ontario and harm local wildlife.

February 16, 2023

Premier Doug Ford’s government has claimed that whatever land is taken from the Greenbelt will be added elsewhere, but Green Party leader Mike Schreiner argues that only five percent of Ontario’s land mass is suitable for growing food. The government has set a deadline for developers, with housing approvals required to be in progress by the end of this year and shovels in the ground by 2025, or the land goes back to the province. The province is also planning on building Highway 413, cutting through farmland and conservation land.

November 9, 2022

While Ford has claimed that his government has added to the Greenbelt in a land swap to make up for the planned development, much of it is in already protected river valleys, according to Doyle. This small, finite, and fragile landscape is threatened by urbanization, and Doyle emphasizes the need to think hundreds of years into the future and manage this landscape better. The Greenbelt was created almost 20 years ago to protect the environment from urban sprawl, and it is important to ensure that it is not slowly destroyed by “death by a thousand cuts.” (AI)

 

Saturday May 6, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 6, 2023

King Charles III the Dragon Slayer? 

September 30, 2022

Today’s coronation of King Charles III has led to a debate about the relevance of monarchy in the modern world. While some call for the abolishment of the monarchy, evidence suggests that the institution has adapted well to the 21st century and has contributed to the prosperity, equality, and democracy of many countries. In fact, many monarchies dominate the lists of the best countries to live in. However, to remain relevant, the monarchy must adapt to modern realities. One way to do this is to ensure that newcomers to Canada swear allegiance first and foremost to their adopted country, instead of the monarchy. Another way is to change the $20 bill to not feature King Charles III’s image, but rather a more representative image of Canada. These changes can help the monarchy continue to be a fundamental part of Canada’s system of government and laws, while adapting to the realities of the 21st century.

Opinion: Can a monarchy sit easy in modern Britain? 

September 9, 2022

King Charles III slaying dragons is not entirely appropriate, as the challenges he faces are far more complex than mere dragons. His reign comes at a time of significant global challenges, such as climate change, colonialism, inclusivity, and… to a lesser extent, bad architecture, his well known pet peeve. These are issues that his predecessors, including his mother, mostly stayed clear of due to the times in which they lived. However, if King Charles III is to use his reign to speak on these issues, he must first adapt the monarchy to modern realities.

Many critics of the monarchy argue that it is undemocratic, colonialist, and racist. While there is some truth to these criticisms, they are not the whole story. The fact is that, as a general rule, monarchies in today’s world are more prosperous, more equal, and even more democratic than the alternatives. Countries like Sweden and Denmark are prosperous, stable, and fair not because they are monarchies, but because they have figured out how to combine tradition with change, how to adapt what they have to the demands of modernity. Constitutional monarchy, as Mauro Guillén, a professor at the Wharton School of Business, explains, “works as a mechanism preserving what deserves to remain while incorporating what the circumstances call for.” It is a beautiful solution to a wide array of governance problems.

BBC: Your complete guide to the King’s coronation  

2023 Coronation Design

To ensure that the monarchy continues to be relevant, we must adapt it to modern realities. One way to do this is to ensure that newcomers to Canada swear allegiance first and foremost to their adopted country, instead of the monarchy. Another way is to change the $20 bill to not feature King Charles III’s image, but rather a more representative image of Canada. These changes can help the monarchy continue to be a fundamental part of Canada’s system of government and laws, while adapting to the realities of the 21st century.

King Charles III has a unique opportunity to speak to the pressing issues of our time. However, to do so, he must first adapt the monarchy to modern realities. The monarchy has survived for centuries precisely because it has been adaptable, and if we have learned anything, it is to build on that success rather than breaking the system that allowed it to flourish. (AI)

 

Tuesday May 2, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 2, 2023

A House Divided

September 30, 2022

As the coronation of King Charles III approaches on May 6, 2023, the world eagerly awaits to witness the traditional ceremony. However, this may pose a problem for some households as the Toronto Maple Leafs have just won their first playoff series in nearly 20 years and are set to compete in the second round. In the midst of this exciting sports event, a Royalist fan may clash with a Leafs fan for control of the household television. While the coronation signifies the authority of the monarch and the long line of rulers, the ceremony will last only an hour or two and is seeking to avoid extravagance. On the other hand, the Leafs are now the betting favourite to win the Stanley Cup and have not made it this far in the playoffs since 2004. The coronation and the Leafs’ playoff games are both significant events, with the former being broadcast on television and the latter being watched by millions of hockey fans. Nonetheless, the coronation is unlikely to draw as many viewers as royal weddings, and the delay between the accession and coronation is normal and allows time for respectful mourning and logistical preparations.

News: What to Expect at King Charles’s Coronation: The Details and Traditions, Explained  

June 15, 2019

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a storied history in the NHL, dating back to their founding in 1917. They have won 13 Stanley Cup championships, but have not hoisted the cup since 1967, which is the longest current championship drought in the NHL. This has led to a sense of frustration among Leafs fans, who are eager to see their team return to glory.

Meanwhile, the British monarchy has also had a long and eventful history, with traditions and customs dating back centuries. The coronation of King Charles III is just one of many significant events that have taken place in the monarchy’s history, and it is steeped in symbolism and ceremony.

The coronation is expected to draw a large television audience, as many people around the world are interested in the British monarchy and its traditions. However, there may be some competition for the television on the day of the coronation, as Leafs fans are sure to be eagerly watching their team’s playoff game.

News : Maple Leafs vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final Could Actually Happen  

Letter to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday May 4, 2023

It remains to be seen how this conflict will play out, but it is clear that both events are of great importance to their respective fans. Whether the Royalist or the Leafs fan will emerge victorious in the battle for the television remains to be seen, but both events are sure to be memorable and significant in their own right. (AI)

 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday, April 12, 2013By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Friday April 12, 2013

Justin Trudeau, Tom Mulcair dominate a pivotal weekend

Tom Mulcair and his New Democrats have gone from honeymoon to political crossroads in one short year.

This weekend, two parallel events collide on the evolving Canadian political landscape, signalling the latest sprint to the middle in this country, a three-way mash up that includes the governing Conservatives.

First, Mulcair presides over the party’s initial policy convention under his leadership in Montreal, while down the road in the nation’s capital, Liberals are expected to confirm the official passage of Justin Trudeau from party phenom to party leader.

Mulcair was chosen leader of the New Democrats just over a year ago because he was the man party members believed could take the Jack Layton legacy and move the party from decades of moral victories and clear consciences to a party ready to form a government.

He must — and will — reinforce that image in Montreal, keeping the party’s more traditional wing muted, softly and subtly loosening the NDP umbilical cord to organized labour and keeping the Conservative “fear factor” at bay by embracing that invaluable mushy middle where most Canadians hang their hats.

The party will keep the policy resolutions to be debated vanilla-flavoured, avoiding the unneeded spice by talking about winding down the Alberta oil sands, or nationalizing U.S. Steel or slapping sanctions on Israel.

Trudeau has taken his Liberals off life-support and Mulcair’s biggest problem right now is that Canadians apparently are projecting their own hopes and vision on the, so far, empty canvas of the new leader. (Source: Toronto Star) http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/04/11/justin_trudeau_tom_mulcair_dominate_a_pivotal_weekend_in_canadian_politics_tim_harper.html