What If We Abolished the Monarchy?
Perhaps the best way to understand and appreciate our system of government is to imagine what it would be like without a head of government distinct from the Prime Minister of the day. What happens, for example, if a Prime Minister dies in office? In the American system of government (the obvious comparison for our purposes), a Vice-President already exists and automatically assumes office. But U.S. Vice-Presidents have often been chosen to “balance the ticket” and are, as a result, not remotely the second best qualified person for the job. A system that could have led to President Dan Quayle or (potentially) President Sarah Palin is not one that inspires confidence. In our system, the Governor General would appoint an acting Prime Minister (as chosen by the party in power) until such time as a leadership convention could be held to choose a new party leader who would then be sworn in as Prime Minister.
Without a head of government distinct from the Prime Minister, who handles the many social and ceremonial tasks that arise? Who greets visiting dignitaries and heads of state, represents the government at various artistic, scientific, and sports events, and lends support to charities and other worthy endeavours. The Prime Minister already has a sufficiently heavy workload and, in any event, is a political and partisan figure not well suited to represent all Canadians in these matters. I suppose that we could appoint a “Grand National Host” to take on these tasks, but why would we do that when we have a Governor General well suited to the task and representing centuries of tradition.
It is also important to note that having all these types of responsibility handled by someone other than the Prime Minister separates pomp from power and that is a very healthy distinction. Here again, the American system provides an instructive comparison. In that system, there isn’t any separation of pomp from power. Everything is focused on the position of President, which – as a result – has acquired an almost mystical status. I recall the reluctance to launch impeachment proceedings against Nixon lest this action might somehow tarnish the office of “The President.” One would assume that this office has lost some of its lustre after its occupant of 2016-2020, but time will tell.
Even this brief summary should be sufficient to demonstrate the benefits of our system of constitutional monarchy. Not only would it be almost impossible to abolish, it provides a number of significant advantages for Canada.