EDITORIAL: The quiet dignity of stable government

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As Canada basks in the afterglow of a flying Royal visit, now’s a good time to assess the merits of the constitutional monarchy.

The colourful pomp and ceremony that accompanied the opening of Parliament and the speech from the throne underscored that, as Canadians, we change governments with quiet dignity. The ancient rituals, though, remind us of the sometimes difficult path which has led us to a stable and democratic country.

Even before King Charles III delivered the throne speech, the newly elected Speaker of the House of Commons was dragged to his chair. This symbolizes a time when the Speaker reported to the King — and was occasionally executed for delivering bad news. Journalists always sit behind the Speaker so he can’t influence their reporting.

The doors to the House of Commons are slammed before the Usher of the Black Rod can lead MPs to the Senate for the King’s speech. Parliamentary theatre, sure. But an important reminder that our rights and privileges aren’t a given. Sometimes you have to fight for them.

The visit by Charles and Queen Camilla made news around the world. It served to emphasize this country’s strong connections to the U.K. and other nations of the Commonwealth, an organization of two billion people worldwide, of which we are a senior member.

Importantly, it sent a message to our neighbours to the south that we don’t bow to threats. President Donald Trump’s petulant response was to post that we can have access to his “Golden Dome” for $61 billion — or for free as a U.S. state.

Thanks, but no.

In an 1865 speech to Parliament, Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, outlined the need for a strong Canada. Of the U.S., he said, “… the president, during his term of office, is in great measure a despot, a one-man power, with the command of the naval and military forces, with a large amount of patronage … and with veto power … perfectly uncontrolled by responsible advisers.”

Canada, meanwhile, has the stability of a constitutional monarchy, where the king is head of state and the prime minister is head of government.

That fine balance served us well last week and sent a message that Canada is strong and resilient. And it’s not alone in the world.