Question about Canada

[B_verilux]

Strange question, but someone here probably knows the answer: Why is the Queen of England also the head of state of Canada? It makes no sense. Isn't Canada an independent country?

 

[cups]

She's not. We have our own constitution and we govern ourselves.

 

[erratic]

Yes, Canada is an independent nation. There is a long-winded explanation for the relationship between Canada and the UK, but what it really boils down to is tradition. Canada is still part of the British Commonwealth an the queen is our ceremonial head of state. She has no say in Canadian governance. The only power her office once held is now invested in the Governor General - also a largely ceremonial and advisory position (though the GG can decide whether or not to allow an election or ask the opposition parties to form government, if the government loses a confidence vote. So I guess that's a pretty significant club to wield.)

Anyway, it's tradition. It's also nice that we don't have a total sausage party in terms of who's on our money, so I guess we can thank Liz for that.

 

[vince]

She's not. We have our own constitution and we govern ourselves.

She is indeed the Head of State of Canada. Q.E. II is also the head of state of fifteen other countries which are formerly British colonies. She is the sovereign of each of them (including the UK) and the monarchies are legally distinct from each other.

So the OP's question could also be phrased as "Why is the Queen of Australia also the Head of State of Canada?" or vica-versa.

 

[185248]

The Commonwealth in todays terms is largely a brotherhood/sisterhood. Monarchy holds little sway over day to day government. The Monarchy in Britain holds no power, nor does the French, except that we are from the time of yor, in that context depends if you be a native or not.

The very last time the power of the Govenor General ( the Queens representative) in Australia was used, to sack the then the Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in the mid seventies. I remember it well. It will never happen again, ever.
gough whitlam dismissal - YouTube

It would mean war between England and Australia....We'd win Hahahahaha, specially with guys like Catch on their side

 

[223790]

If anything, the Queen has less power than the leaders of commonwealth countries. Any rule changes that the queen wants to make in reagrds to the monarchy must receive support from the leaders of commonwealth countries. While she is Canada's head of state, she has absolutely no political power in Canada and receives no money from Canadian taxpayers. Canada is a completely independent country, and as most other posters have mentioned her role is purely ceremonial and based on tradition. Just curious though, why are you angry about this?

 

[nudeyorker]

This might help... Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom

She became Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952. As other colonies of the British Commonwealth (now Commonwealth of Nations) attained independence from the UK during her reign she acceded to the newly created thrones as Queen of each respective realm so that throughout her 54 years on the throne she has been Monarch of 32 nations. Elizabeth II has seen a number of her former territories and realms leave this shared relationship and become kingdoms under a different dynasty, or republics.

 

[eorpach]

Strange question, but someone here probably knows the answer: Why is the Queen of England also the head of state of Canada? It makes no sense. Isn't Canada an independent country?

It makes perfect sense. What is strange is that you live next door and you're only realizing it now?

Until World War One, the British Empire covered one-quarter of the earth. After the war, many parts of the British Empire followed Ireland's lead and (violently or non-violently) broke away and declared themselves Republics, as Ireland did. This is why Ireland, like the USA, has a President.

Others countries stayed put, choosing instead to negotiate with London to be allowed to rule themselves, but agreeing to keep lots of other connections, such as the British Monarch continuing to sign all laws approved by their Parliaments (just as Obama does after Congress approves laws in the States).

Canada, Australia and New Zealand are 3 examples of the countries who maintain links to Britain in this way.

Obviously it's not practical for Queen Elizabeth to tend to her subjects in so many countries at once (to many laws to sign, her wrist would break!), so a "Governer General" exercises her royal powers on her behalf in each country, such as signing laws in Canada, Australia and NZ and appointing and dismissing governments and parliaments. If she wanted to, she could interfere, but she's an old lady and she doesn't bother.

Canada, Australia and New Zealand have never been Republics and Canada, Australia and New Zealand have never *not* had a British monarch as their Heads of State.

Clearer now?

Interesting historical fact: it was in Ottawa on an official government visit by the Irish Prime Minister that Ireland was first declared a Republic. :biggrin1:

 

[eorpach]

She's not. We have our own constitution and we govern ourselves.

:wtf1:

She IS. You're in Canada. I'm embarrassed for you that you wrote that reply. Have a look into your wallet...

 

[B_verilux]

It makes perfect sense. What is strange is that you live next door and you're only realizing it now? :biggrin1:

Oh, we in the United States of America know virtually nothing about Canada as we hardly consider it a country. We consider it vacant land waiting to be annexed (by us).

 

[223790]

Oh, we in the United States of America know virtually nothing about Canada as we hardly consider it a country. We consider it vacant land waiting to be annexed (by us).

This explains your ignorant question in your OP, and is not surprising as the U.S. foolishly believe it is the centre of the universe. BTW - over a million Americans live in Canada, and is in the top 5 source countries of immigrants to Canada. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/facts2010/permanent/10.asp

Canada garners way more respect around the world than the U.S. does. Hence the reason that so many Americans travel with a large Canadian flag on their luggage.

 

[Magnus_Phallus]

essentially there is a substantial practical advantage
to keeping the monarchy in Canada.
It is not uniquely an issue of tradition.

Being a member of the Commonwealth of Nations
gives its members a privileged relation
with the other members, valuable "access"
if you will... as well as a common (unified)
voice on key diplomatic questions.
(it has a seat as an observer at the UN)

Conscidering a membership of 54 nations
making it one of the biggest "clubs of nations"
(about 2.5 billion people)
one can see how a multilateralist nation
like Canada finds great advantage
in such a membership.
It can be (and has been) leveraged
as a "force multiplier" on numorous
occasions (mostly geopolitical and economic)

The price of it for Canada? QEII as sovereign.
Not a bad deal ;-)

 

[B_verilux]

Um. Right.... LOL :biggrin1:

To anyone with a sense of humor it should've been totally obvious that I was entirely joking in what I wrote. I fuckin love Canada, and just about every Canadian I've met has been one of the kindest people I've ever met.

This explains your ignorant question in your OP, and is not surprising as the U.S. foolishly believe it is the centre of the universe. BTW - over a million Americans live in Canada, and is in the top 5 source countries of immigrants to Canada. ARCHIVED – Facts and figures 2010 – Immigration overview: Permanent and temporary residents

Canada garners way more respect around the world than the U.S. does. Hence the reason that so many Americans travel with a large Canadian flag on their luggage.

 

[wappingite]

Um. Right.... LOL :biggrin1:

To anyone with a sense of humor it should've been totally obvious that I was entirely joking in what I wrote. I fuckin love Canada, and just about every Canadian I've met has been one of the kindest people I've ever met.

I knew you were joking straight away, and you even had irony! Canadians tend to be really sensitive. In the UK, you have to ask someone if they are North American, even though they will be likely form the US 95% of the time, in case they happen to be Canadian. No one can tell the difference, even with the slight vowel shift. Both wear ball caps, khakis and white socks and tend to be loud. ;-)

 

[deleted3782]

Thanks for clearing up the confusion. When I am in Quebec next week, I will be sure to play up the importance of Queen Elizabeth and how they should bow in her presence! :wink: emoticon of humour

 

[B_verilux]

I knew you were joking straight away, and you even had irony! Canadians tend to be really sensitive. In the UK, you have to ask someone if they are North American, even though they will be likely form the US 95% of the time, in case they happen to be Canadian. No one can tell the difference, even with the slight vowel shift. Both wear ball caps, khakis and white socks and tend to be loud. ;-)

LOL :biggrin1: We have that problem too in the US. I think a lot of people in the US even sort of wonder why the United States and Canada are two different countries. I think a lot of US citizens just feel like Canada is a different part of the US, or we are a different part of Canada, or something. The US has a sense of "continuity" with Canada that it most definitely does NOT have with Mexico, for example. And I think this is why I was actually surprised to read that the Queen is considered the head of state of Canada ... because otherwise it seems like we are so similar.

 

[Magnus_Phallus]

Thanks for clearing up the confusion. When I am in Quebec next week, I will be sure to play up the importance of Queen Elizabeth and how they should bow in her presence! :wink: emoticon of humour

I get the distinct feeling you are being humorous.

That is why I will not go into why this is such a bad idea.

:cool22:

 

[Magnus_Phallus]

LOL :biggrin1: We have that problem too in the US. I think a lot of people in the US even sort of wonder why the United States and Canada are two different countries. I think a lot of US citizens just feel like Canada is a different part of the US, or we are a different part of Canada, or something. The US has a sense of "continuity" with Canada that it most definitely does NOT have with Mexico, for example. And I think this is why I was actually surprised to read that the Queen is considered the head of state of Canada ... because otherwise it seems like we are so similar.

though there are a number of differences between the two nations,
it is fair to argue this is the closest relationship of any two nations.
... longest undefended border, largest trade partnership... and so on...

That makes it even more difficult for Canadians to "educate"
(for lack of a better word) their neighbours to the south
about the very real, sovereign and legitimate nation
that is in the great white north

 

[Jason]

There is a cultural concept of Britishness around shared values, law and tradition. Canada - like Australia, NZ, UK and so many others - is a democracy, a constitutional monarchy, a common law nation. We are all part of the Anglosphere. We do not consider one another foreigners as we are all part of the Commonwealth.

The old Canadian anthem and flag is here. Canada 2013 needs its new flag and a national identity more inclusive of Quebec, but there is still something powerful about the old symbols.

The Maple Leaf forever (original version) - YouTube

In days of yore, from Britain's shore,
Wolfe, the dauntless hero came,

And planted firm Britannia's flag,
On Canada's fair domain.
Here may it wave, our boast, our pride,
And joined in love together,
The thistle, shamrock, rose entwine


The Maple Leaf forever!
Chorus:
The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear,
The Maple Leaf forever!
God save our Queen, and Heaven bless,
The Maple Leaf forever!

At Queenston Heights and Lundy's Lane,
Our brave fathers, side by side,
For freedom, homes, and loved ones dear,
Firmly stood and nobly died;
And those dear rights which they maintained,
We swear to yield them never!
Our watchword evermore shall be,
The Maple Leaf forever!

Chorus:
Our fair Dominion now extends
From Cape Race to Nootka Sound;
May peace forever be our lot,
And plenteous store abound:
And may those ties of love be ours
Which discord cannot sever,
And flourish green o'er freedom's home
The Maple Leaf forever!
Chorus:
On merry England's far famed land
May kind heaven sweetly smile,
God bless old Scotland evermore
and Ireland's Em'rald Isle!
And swell the song both loud and long
Till rocks and forest quiver!
God save our Queen and Heaven bless
The Maple Leaf forever!
Chorus:

 

[B_verilux]

though there are a number of differences between the two nations,
it is fair to argue this is the closest relationship of any two nations.
... longest undefended border, largest trade partnership... and so on...

That makes it even more difficult for Canadians to "educate"
(for lack of a better word) their neighbours to the south
about the very real, sovereign and legitimate nation
that is in the great white north

Oh, come on.... We all know the US and Canada are basically two different districts of the same country.