The Monarchist League of Canada is an organization formed in 1970 by John Aimers and Gary Toffoli. The League's objective is to support Canada's Constitutional Monarchy.
Over 20 branches exist across Canada, many under the patronage of Lieutenant-Governors, with membership drawn from citizens who also finance the League, which receives no public subsidies.
History
The 1960s and 1970s saw a growing mood of Canadian and Quebec nationalism and a resulting criticism of the monarchy as an archaic and foreign institution. The Canadian government responded by removing symbols of colonialism and monarchy in an effort to create a national identity. For instance, the Canadian Red Ensign was replaced by the Maple Leaf flag, use of the word dominion was dropped from government documents, and the names of government departments and holidays (with Dominion Day becoming Canada Day),God Save the Queen and the Maple Leaf Forever were displaced by O Canada the Queen's Printer for Canada became Publications Canada, the Royal Mail was rebranded Canada Post among other moves. Supporters of the monarchy were alarmed by these changes and formed the Monarchist League as a lobby group in favour of the retention of traditional symbols of monarchy and against what it viewed as "creeping republicanism" which would result in the eventual transformation of Canada from a monarchy into a republic.
Aims And Principles
- To bring together Canadians of diverse ethnic backgrounds, political affiliations, religious loyalties and varied occupations in order to promote loyalty and respect for the Queen of Canada and understanding of the Constitutional Monarchy
- To promote and engage in the study of the concept of Monarchy, the roles of the Crown in the Canadian system of democratic government and the formative influence of the Royal Family on Canadian society
- To foster appreciation of the value of the Monarchy amongst students and to promote its study in educational institutions
- To inform the Canadian public of the contemporary and historical importance of the Monarchy for the Canadian identity through displays, speakers, festivals, media appearances, publications and related activities
See also
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