Media release

Monarchy a serious threat to unity

Toronto, May 18, 2007 - As English-speaking Canada marks the monarchist Victoria Day holiday this Monday, Citizens for a Canadian Republic (CCR) wants Canadians to think about the damage to Canadian unity the monarchy causes.

"There are many reasons why the British monarchy isn't a good fit for modern-day Canada," says Tom Freda, the non-profit advocacy group's national director, "but the fact that it's rejected by a majority of Quebecers, and has been for several decades, is something that some in the rest of Canada just aren't comprehending yet. We quite simply must examine the extent of that divide and ask ourselves if maintaining the monarchy is worth the cost." he adds.

The organization's associate director and co-founder, Pierre Vincent agrees. "There are indications that the time may be ripe to address the issue. The sovereignty movement is in tatters and, for the first time, there's clear interest in negotiating a formula for Quebec to finally sign the Constitution. If federalists are to successfully exploit that situation, the monarchy must be on the table."

Recent events back up the opinion that the institution is a divisive factor in Quebec's relationship with the rest of Canada and widely seen as an obstacle to inclusion in the Canadian family;

●  Last September, at their Biennial Convention, the NDP's youth wing in Quebec proposed addressing the party's dormant monarchy/republic debate as a way to invigorate support in the province.

●  In April, many Quebecers were outraged at the suggestion of having the Queen visit Quebec City for its 400th anniversary celebrations. "You can be sure that people will demonstrate in protest," said Mario Beaulieu, vice-president of Montreal's Société Saint-Jean Baptiste. "The monarchy remains a symbol of imperialism and colonialism. Her presence will not be welcomed." There were mass riots when the Queen last visited Quebec City in 1964.

●  Earlier this month, while addressing questions related to the replacement of outgoing lieutenant-governor, Lise Thibault, Quebec's Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Benoit Pelletier questioned the "usefulness and relevance" to Quebeckers of the monarchy, commenting that he believed it was "an institution that will have to be reviewed in light of modern-day challenges," and that "It's not impossible that we might have to reconsider the role of the monarch, the lieutenant-governor and the governor general" when we reform our institutions.

Nation-wide, polls presently show opinion on the issue roughly split, with Quebecers repeatedly showing around 65 to 75 percent support for ending the monarchy.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

Quebec questioning the role of the monarchy in Canada 

A birthday visit by the Queen? Quebeckers are not amused 

Quebec members of the NDP proposing to remove the Queen as head of state 

Most [Canadians] (55%) Hope For A National Divorce From British Monarchy When Queen Elizabeth's Reign Ends - Up 7 Points From October 2002 (48%) 

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of Quebecers oppose the British Monarchy Remaining the Head of State in Canada 

May 16, 2007 - Celebrating the Victoria Day Weekend: Only 22% Believe Weekend has 'Historical Meaning'