Posted by Martin Vierula
on July 9, 2009, 12:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Globe & Mail"
208.65.73.111
Not wishing to understate the challenges that we as monarchists face, there are nevertheless some caveats that could be noted with regard to this Strategic Counsel poll.
The main question of interest was worded:
"When Queen Elizabeth dies or abdicates and a new monarch is crowned, should the next monarch be named the King of Canada, or should Canada cut its connection to the monarchy?"
35% gave the first answer, while 65% answered with the second.
Note that:
1) The issue is pushed off to the (possibly distant) future. Those with a moderate attachment to the monarchy are not faced with the possibility of loss in the near future.
2) The wording of the question may be an attempt to remove from the equation people who feel a sentimental attachment to the current monarch. But would this reduced level of sentiment really be the case in 15 or 20 years when a new monarch is already in place?
3) While the wording of the question is reasonable for people with a certain level of knowledge of our current system, readers of this board are no doubt aware of the high levels of ignorance of our monarchy among many Canadians. For example, might some of the individuals answering the question have not understood that "King/Queen of Canada" is the current title? Might some have instead assumed that the first choice represented some sort of expansion of the monarchy in Canada?
4) As is often the case with such polls, the alternative is not fully spelled out. "Cut its connection to the monarchy" is left hanging -- as if the monarchy were something optional that did not require an alternative system. One is left to wonder what the response might have been if the second option had continued "... and adopt a republican system of government?"
Responses: