LONDON -- As millions celebrate the Queen鈥檚 Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 years of reigning over the Commonwealth, the man representing one of Canada鈥檚 closest diplomatic ties to the monarchy is defending its ties to the Royal Family despite surveys in Canada that show many are beginning to question it.
Ralph Goodale, Canada鈥檚 High Commissioner to the U.K., told Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV National News Lisa LaFlamme that the part of Queen Elizabeth II鈥檚 enduring presence in the minds of many is the amount of world events that she has ruled through.
鈥淭he length of time that she has been a force of solidarity, a force of continuity in a world that is turbulent and constantly changing,鈥� he said, speaking to 麻豆影视 outside of Canada House in Trafalgar Square in London, England. 鈥淚 think that that ability to do that so well for so long is just very impressive.鈥�
To him, the monarchy is not a distant arm over Canada, but a vital part of it.
However, it鈥檚 an increasingly rare sentiment within Canada 鈥攁 recent poll found that 45 per cent of Canadians support dropping the monarchy, a sharp increase from a previous survey in 2020, while just 24 per cent were sure they wanted a monarchy to remain.
A Nanos survey published Wednesday also found that 62 per cent of Canadians said they support or somewhat support the idea of calling on the Queen to apologize for the Church of England鈥檚 role in Canada鈥檚 residential school system 鈥� a reminder that, for many, celebrating 70 years of a monarch鈥檚 rule is also a reminder of England鈥檚 long history of colonialism.
But Goodale brushed off the question of Canada actually separating from the monarchy and replacing the Queen with an elected head of state.
鈥淚 hear that from some people, but actually I think I would put the onus on them to make the case 鈥� do you really want another Constitutional debate in Canada right now? Most Canadians would say, 鈥榥o we got other things we have to deal with that are infinitely more important than that,鈥欌�� he said.
鈥淭his is an institution that under the Queen鈥檚 leadership, has worked exceptionally well for Canada for more than 70 years. If it ain鈥檛 broke, don鈥檛 fix it.鈥�
He said that while it鈥檚 鈥渘ot directly鈥� his job to maintain links between the monarchy and Canada, it is part of his role 鈥渢o explain what the monarchy contributes, what Her Majesty has contributed, what the Royal Family is doing.鈥�
When asked what it is that the monarchy contributes to Canada, Goodale offered not specifics, but ideals, saying that the fact that the monarchy has always existed as part of Canada is support itself for its role to continue.
鈥淚t contributes continuity. It contributes stability,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t can be very important in reinforcing some our most cherished values, like unity, like diversity, like inclusion, like respect for one another, and high standards in public life and in the way you conduct yourself in the community. Those sorts of value messages are very important, and Canada is a country that鈥檚 held together more than by the force of arms or the force of law or geography or language or culture, we鈥檙e held together by our common values, and our common will. And the monarchy, over the years, has been a very powerful communication medium for that important message.鈥�
Perhaps reflecting on some of the disconnect, this year鈥檚 Jubilee events are set to be more muted in Canada than in the past 鈥� for instance, there are no medals being offered this year, as they were at the previous Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1977, 2002 and 2012 respectively. These medals were given to select recipients to honour certain achievements.
Goodale said that there are 鈥渁 great many aspects to the celebration,鈥� pointing out that although there are no medals, a lapel pin has been introduced.
鈥淸It] is a very dignified, high-quality piece that is intended to reach a large number of Canadians, not just a few that might be on a medals list,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s important as that is, the idea was to reach further.
鈥淭here are coins being minted and stamps being printed, there鈥檚 a sound and light show, there was the Royal visit, so the celebration has been there in many dimensions. A little bit different from last time, but still honouring an amazing legacy from a remarkable woman.鈥�
