Medieval Power in a Modern Democracy?
It’s 2025, and Canada remains one of the last modern nations still pledging allegiance to the King - a foreign monarch who inherited his power by birth, not democratic choice. Every Canadian institution, from our courts to our military, ultimately answers to a ruler most Canadians have never met.
While nations worldwide have moved beyond hereditary rule, Canada’s head of state is still determined by bloodline - a medieval concept that contradicts our values of merit, equality, and democratic choice. The question isn’t about tradition - it’s about whether Canadians deserve true sovereignty.
The Stark Reality of Royal Rule
Let’s examine what monarchy really means for Canada in 2025:
- King Charles III: A hereditary monarch who inherits power by birthright, residing in a foreign country with no democratic accountability to Canadians.
- Royal Decree: Royal prerogative allows the King’s representative to veto laws, dissolve Parliament, and command military without democratic oversight.
- Royal Subjects: Canadians remain “subjects” of the Crown, with citizenship and rights technically granted by royal privilege, not constitutional guarantee.
Compare this to a modern constitutional republic:
- Elected Leadership: Democratically elected leaders who serve fixed terms, chosen by citizens and accountable through regular elections and checks and balances.
- Constitutional Limits: Executive powers limited by Constitution, with legislative and judicial branches providing oversight. No individual can rule by birthright.
- Equal Citizens: Full citizenship rights guaranteed by Constitution, with equal representation and direct participation in democratic processes.
In an age of democratic values and merit-based achievement, hereditary monarchy isn’t just outdated—it’s fundamentally at odds with our commitment to equality and self-determination.
The Cost of the Crown
The monarchy’s impact on Canada extends far beyond symbolism. While defenders often claim the royal family provides tourism revenue and cultural continuity, the reality is far more complex:
Economic Impact
- Millions spent annually on royal visits and ceremonial functions
- Costly duplication of roles between royal representatives and elected officials
- Property and resources held in trust for the Crown rather than the Canadian people
- Administrative overhead of maintaining royal protocols and procedures
Democratic Deficit
The monarchy creates real barriers to democratic reform:
- Constitutional changes require royal assent
- Military and civil service swear allegiance to the King, not the Canadian people
- Indigenous treaties technically signed with the Crown, complicating sovereignty
- Democratic institutions must operate through royal framework
Beyond the Crown: A Democratic Future
Replacing the monarchy isn’t just about removing an outdated system—it’s about embracing a more democratic, equitable future. Here’s what true sovereignty could mean for Canada:
True Self-Determination
- Direct democratic control over all Canadian institutions
- Constitutional rights derived from the people, not royal privilege
- Military and civil service accountable to citizens, not the Crown
- Clear, democratic process for constitutional reform
Economic Transformation
- Convert royal expenses into federal investment in Canadian communities
- Streamline government by eliminating duplicate ceremonial roles
- Direct control over Crown lands and resources
- Reduced administrative costs from simplified procedures
Modern Identity
- Define ourselves by our achievements and values, not hereditary submission
- Join the community of modern republics as equals
- Strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples through direct nation-to-nation partnerships
- Build institutions that reflect real Canadian character
Preserving What Matters
Moving beyond monarchy doesn’t mean losing our identity or traditions. It means choosing to define ourselves by our values rather than our colonial past:
- Canadian Values: Keep what truly matters: our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice - values that reflect real Canadian character, not royal decrees.
- Progressive Future: Strengthen our social programs with increased funding from eliminated royal expenses, ensuring our commitment to care comes from democratic choice, not tradition.
- True Sovereignty: Transform from subjects of a foreign king to citizens with full democratic rights, while maintaining local autonomy over Canadian affairs.
The Path Forward
The transition from monarchy to modern democracy isn’t just possible—it’s essential for Canada’s future. By joining the United States as its newest state, we can:
- Replace symbolic royal approval with real democratic power in the world’s most influential nation
- Convert royal expenses into massive federal investment in Canadian communities
- Define ourselves by our achievements and values, not by hereditary submission
- Evolve from a constitutional monarchy to an equal partner in shaping world policy
The choice before us isn’t between tradition and change—it’s between remaining subjects of a foreign monarch or becoming full citizens in North America’s most powerful democracy. The U.S. Constitution begins with “We the People” for a reason. It represents a clean break from the old world of inherited privilege, establishing a society where authority comes from the citizens themselves.
As we look to the future, the question isn’t whether we should preserve Canadian traditions—it’s how we can best secure and enhance our democratic values for future generations. The evidence shows that joining the United States isn’t just an option—it’s our best path to achieving true sovereignty and democratic governance.
It’s time to move beyond hereditary rule and embrace a future where Canadians are citizens, not subjects. Where our voice comes from democratic rights, not royal permission. The path to this future is clear: joining the United States as its newest state, where “We the People” means exactly what it says.
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