A friend of mine, who is also a contributor, and myself have been debating recently the merits of a Canadian Republic. He is a proponent of such a change, myself I believe the status quo of this nation being a constiutional monarchy; it has served us well since 1867 and is stable enough that it should last as long as this nation retains its status as an independent nation.
He argues through most of his post about Empires and the negative effects Empire has had on Canada over the last 140+ years - to start off and make things more simple, let me concede the point that Imperialism/Colonialism is counter-productive to the growth and development of the modern nation-state.
Let me make my case for why Canada should continue to retain the Monarchy (read: Governor-General):
1) Provides for non-partisan execution of the powers of the Head of State. We can see in the United States how the partisan "vision" of the presidency can often lead to problems with the legislative branch of Government. The Monarchy is not the symbol of one politican party or another; but instead all Canadians.
2) The Monarchy can lend its voice and influence to causes that are sometimes overlooked by partisan bickering in the House of Commons and the Senate. Aboriginal Affairs; Women's Rights; Development of a Uniquely Canadian Identity have all been heralded by the Queen's representative.
3) Specific to Queen Elizabeth II, she keeps abreast of Canadian affairs even with a representative in Ottawa. She has been known to advise Prime Ministers of the best courses of action - her experience is unparalelled she has ruled as monarch for over 50 years. Her first British Prime Minister was Sir Winston Churchill; her first Canadian Prime Minister was Louis St. Laurent.
4) Canada was not designed as a republic. My friend in his post spoke of the "great experiement" of the US Republic. Canada, as much younger nation has been just as much as a testbed of ideas as the United States. The adoption of the Charter shows this. In terms of Human Rights and Social Policy we were not stained of the "original sin" of Slavery - we remain light years ahead of our southern neighbour.
5) If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
God Save the Queen, God Save Canada.
