Battle royal : monarchists vs. republicans and the Crown of Canada

What is the future of the monarchy in Canada? A strong republican movement in Canada stresses that the monarchy is archaic and anti-democratic, an embarrassing vestige of our colonial past. An equally vibrant monarchist movement, however, defends its loyalty to royalty, asserting that the Queen is a living link to a political and constitutional tradition dating back over a thousand years. But is the monarchy worth keeping? Battle Royal answers this question and many more: What does the Queen really do? What are the powers of the governor general? Has the Crown strengthened or weakened Canadian democracy? If we abolish the monarchy, what do we replace it with? And will we have to re-open the constitution? Charles will soon become King of Canada, but a Canada highly ambivalent to his reign. This presents the representatives of the Crown with the opportunity to build a better monarchy in both Britain and Canada, one relevant to the twenty-first century. ""The Queen is dead; long live the King." Are Canadians ready to hear these words? When the second Elizabethan Era comes to its inevitable end in the next decade or so, do we wish to see King Charles III reigning over us? Public opinion surveys reveal many Canadians oppose Charles becoming King, with some saying they wish to see the monarchy terminated upon the death of Elizabeth II. Is this desirable? Is this lamentable? Is this even possible? The historic and ongoing debate between monarchists and republicans on the worth of the monarchy, the role of the Queen and her Canadian vice-regents, and whether the Crown deserves a future in this country are the questions Canada must contend with."-- Provided by publisher Examines The Debate In Canada Between A Republican Movement That Believes The Monarchy Is Archaic And Anti-democratic And Needs Abolishing Versus A Monarchist Movement That Stresses The Monarchy's Importance Claiming That The Queen Is A Living Connection To A Political And Constitutional Tradition Going Back Over A Thousand Years. David Johnson. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 274-281) And Index. A nuanced and thorough investigation of the cases for preserving or abolishing the monarchy in Canada. Subjecting both sides to searching critiques, political scientist David Johnson examines the republican challenge to the Crown and the monarchist defence of it, while giving a tantalizing view of what the reign of King Charles III might look like.