This is the inaugural coronation of King Charles, i.e., a British monarch in the last 70 years. The last one took place for Queen Elizabeth III in the year 1952.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be in London for the celebration, along with a delegation led by RoseAnne Archibald. The First Nations National Chief; Nata Obed, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; and Cassidy Caron, the President of Metis National Council.
The day will be marked by a formal ceremony in Ottawa on May 6th. There will also be celebrations among various communities nationwide on May 6th and 7th, 2023.
In addition, Canada has a king because it is a constitutional monarch. This means it has a monarch as its head who has the power to govern. But he is entrusted to the government to exercise on behalf and in the people’s interest.
The Coronation Of King Charles In Canada
Canada’s parliamentary system is founded on the Westminster/ British tradition. It consists of a monarchy, a Senate, and a House of Commons. Moreover, the laws are enacted once all three parties agree upon them.
Currently, the Crown has a minor role in Canada’s government. However, the Governor General, the King’s agent in Canada, will attend ceremonies and represent the country at state visits and other international events. In addition, they are also responsible for formally dissolving parliaments whenever elections happen!
Additionally, the Governor General has the authority to grant Royal Assent to Bills that primarily pass through Canada’s House Of Commons & Senate. But, again, while the signature of the Governor-General is needed to pass the law, it is also their job to stay neutral. This means that if both houses pass a law, the Crown will sign it into law without participation or input.
Thus, in simpler terms, the King and his associates will not be directly involved in governing Canada. They simply have a traditional role!
Swearing Allegiance To The Sovereign
Pledging allegiance to the King is integral to Canada’s Citizenship Oath.
IRCC offers a study guide for newcomers who must take this oath. It says that by pledging allegiance to the King, new Canadians/ immigrants will profess their loyalty to the person who represents all Canadians and not to documents such as the constitution, flag, or a geopolitical entity!
It goes on to assert that these elements are encompassed by the King or Queen & Canada is personified by the Sovereign, and vice-versa.
Thoughts Of Canadians On Monarchy
Despite claims in the citizenship handbook that the Sovereign speaks for all Canadians, King Charles II and the monarchy appear to have only modest popularity in the country.
A recent study found that Canadians are less likely to support the monarchy in anticipation of the coronation of King Charles. The poll showcases that over 49% of Canadians feel the Royal Family is irrelevant.
In addition, over 20% believe that the Royal Family is as vital as it used to be. Thus, they see, coronation of King Charles as integral.
On the other hand, 3% see them growing due to consequences. Thus, they see, coronation of King Charles as integral.
In addition, the poll found that, except for women over 55, 64 percent of Canadians believe their country should end its monarchical relationship.
Queen Elizabeth II was still supported as an individual despite the low support given to the monarchy then. But that is not the case with King Charles. The latest data suggests that 60% of the people oppose identifying him as the King of Canada.
Monarchy History In Canada
Canada has had a monarchy since 1534. The first Canadian King was King Francis I of France. We know this because one of the earliest explorers to reach Canada, i.e., Jacques Cartier, arrived in the St. Lawrence River simultaneously.
For several years after, the territory (now Canada) was passed back & forth between England & France, and both these countries had strong monarchies. Finally, in the war that took place in the 18th century, France ceded Canada to Britain.
From that point until 1867, the Crown and the British government were in charge of making major decisions. Including those pertaining to the administration of the Canadian territories.
However, the British North America Act was passed in 1867, allowing the four provinces of Canada to form the Canadian Dominion and challenge the central government.
Britain’s role in the Canadian government saw only small changes between 1867 & 1982 as the Constitution Act was signed into Canada’s complete independence from Britain. The Constitution Act allows Canada to change its constitution without any approval from Britain/ Monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II was present to sign the document in Canada.