From Where I Sit

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July 5, 2010

by: Maggie Clegg

The Queen continues her 22nd Canadian visit....and it's been a busy trip for the 84 year old monarch.

In Halifax - she reviewed an international fleet as part of the Canadian navy's 100th centennial.

In Ottawa - she was the star of the show at Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill.

In Winnipeg - she unveiled a cornerstone for the Canadian Museum For Human Rights.

In Toronto - she attended the 151st running of the Queen's Plate at Woodbine race track.

And today - she and Prince Philip are in Waterloo to check out the headquarters of Research In Motion, maker of the BlackBerry.

While royal visits like these help maintain a connection of sorts between the monarchy and Canada....it also reminds us of those who believe Canada should end its formal ties with the British monarchy.

A poll conducted in 2002 found 48 per cent of Canadians feel that should happen once the Queen's reign is over.

And I tend to agree -  the monarchy is losing relevancy in Canada today, but Queen Elizabeth the Second has been a great figurehead.

After all - it's been said that Canada's status as a constitutional monarchy is largely unchallenged by virtue of the throne's current occupant.

It would be truly hard to amend the Constitution to sever Canada's links to the monarchy - but it will be interesting to see what happens in the years ahead.

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