Canadians split on continuing ties to the monarchy

Newcomers, Conservatives biggest supporters, Heather Owen and Jason Allsopp say.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's recent interview and the resignation of Julie Payette as Canada's governor-general have reopened the question of whether the British monarchy has a relevant place in this country's culture. Canada has been under the monarchy for nearly 500 years (487, to be exact), and we were curious to know how Canadians feel.

Canadians are divided on whether the monarchy is a positive (48 per cent) or negative (52 per cent) symbol for Canada. Half think the monarchy is out of date (53 per cent), while one-third think it is part of our history that must be preserved. When we dig a little bit deeper into the data, we find who are more likely to support the monarchy and who are ready to give the royal wave goodbye.

We found those who were born outside of Canada are generally more likely to agree with statements that support the monarchy. The oath to become a Canadian citizen requires an allegiance to the Queen — which helps explain our survey data. As well, we found those who plan to vote for the Conservative party consistently show higher affinity for the monarchy. Conversely, NDP supporters are ready to cast aside the Queen and challenge the long-lasting traditions.

Many hoped that the addition of Meghan as the Duchess of Sussex to Britain's most famous family represented the long-overdue modernization of the monarchy. When we asked Canadians about the March 7 Oprah with Meghan and Harry broadcast, 59 per cent of Canadians told us they sympathize with Meghan and Harry. Just over a quarter are siding with the royal family, and 16 per cent hadn't heard about the recent events. (Hello? What else is there to watch during COVID-19?)

Those of us who became royal experts by binge-watching Netflix's The Crown likely anticipated Buckingham Palace's response to the accusations of racism — a glaze of politeness and protocol.

Canadians responded via social media, sharing that we are not amused by the lack of respect. Forty-three per cent of the Canadians we surveyed told us that recent events show that the royal family holds racist views, 26 per cent disagreed, and 31 per cent are unsure. While we haven't yet asked this survey question, we suspect a segment of Canadians would offer the adorable Archie and his parents a new country (assuming we don't have to pay their security costs, of course).

If we overcome our ambivalence and challenge this institution, what would be the alternate model? Sixteen per cent favour a U.S.-style republic with a president elected by the population, and 36 per cent would simply remove the governor-general and leave matters to Parliament, with the prime minister as the head of state. It is also worth noting that 20 per cent would opt for the existing arrangement with the monarch and a governor-general.

Our country is divided on the cultural role and relevance of the monarchy today. But is the sentiment significant enough to rally a national decision? Do we have more pressing issues to address? Is there hope that the future kings, Charles and William, can be relevant to Canadians? Perhaps, for now, we should keep calm and carry on.