To the editor,
Re: Royal connection may be losing its lustre in B.C., Opinion, June 1.
The column about the future of the monarchy in Canada leaves the impression that the continuance of our form of government depends upon Twitter feeds or volatile opinion polls. We do not decide that based on questionable polls asking voters who, sadly because of a lack of education and information on the subject, may believe it is an easy choice.
Before we repatriated our constitution in 1982 there were massive discussions. It was decided overwhelmingly by both the federal and provincial governments that the monarchy would be entrenched in the constitution thus making it extremely difficult to abolish. It will require the unanimous consent of both federal and all provincial governments to abolish the monarchy. As well, the Crown made treaties with Indigenous communities from colonial times. They will also have a say as abolishing the Crown leaves them without a partner.
What we desperately need is a better understanding of the role of the monarchy and the finely balanced system of a freely elected parliament, independent courts and an impartial governor-general and lieutenant-governors in the provinces. We are the envy of the world with our stable governing framework. Freedom wears a crown.
Alan Malcolm, Nanaimo
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