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 its 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behind David Suzuki an October 2009 poll found that more than 60% of Canadians felt that constitutional monarchy was an outdated form of government polls also found that nearly 60% approved of Prince Charles becoming king 53% desired a severance of "ties" to the monarchy 49% wanted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