The federal decision not to strike a medal was a lost political opportunity. In every riding in the country, there are individuals and organizations who would appreciate receiving recognition by way of a royal honour.
By Sheila Copps
First published in The Hill Times on June 6, 2022.
OTTAWA—The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee should be a time of celebration.
After 70 years as monarch, Queen Elizabeth is much admired and beloved.
She has survived the 21st century with the same warts that mar most families. From Prince Charles’ divorce to the lascivious behaviour of Prince Andrew, her children are not the same role models that she has proved to be.
In-laws appear to be much more beloved by the public than the Royals themselves. And the more the descendants distance themselves from the family, the happier they seem to be.
The decision by Prince Harry and his partner Meghan Markle to detach themselves from monarchical duties is just one example of a changing dynasty.
Couple that with an insider allegation of racism, levelled by the first racialized spouse of a Royal, and you have trouble.
Meghan and Harry seem to have survived their relocation to the United States.
Just last week, media reports claimed that Markle was considering a run for public office in the United States, with a potential eye on future presidential ambitions.
ITV’S Good Morning Britain hosted U.S. President Joe Biden’s sister, Valerie, who predicted that Markle could run on the Democratic ticket as early as 2028.
While the future of some exiled Royals seems bright, the same cannot be said of the institution itself.
The jubilee has offered an opportunity to celebrate the Queen’s longevity, but it also highlights the debate about terminating Canada’s relationship with the Queen’s successor.
Based on media coverage, there has been more interest in getting rid of the institution than in embracing it.
Even Prince Charles’ successful Canadian trip did not get much attention.
At the end of the day, the majority of Canadians are not seized of the issue one way or another.
Even ministers don’t seem to have that much interest in rendezvousing with the Royal family, as evidenced by the paucity of public Canadian Platinum Jubilee activities.
The federal government did not even strike a medal for the seventieth regal anniversary.
Instead, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia have done it on their own. They are seeking permission to include their medals in the order of precedence to be worn along with other commemorative medals in the Canadian Honours System.
Not surprisingly, Quebec did not join those provinces who are striking a medal. But the absence of Ontario was surprising, given the evidence of United Empire Loyalist history throughout the province.
The federal decision not to strike a medal was a lost political opportunity. In every riding in the country, there are individuals and organizations who would appreciate receiving recognition by way of a royal honour.
The decision was likely a political one, with the government not wanting to draw too much attention to what can be a controversial subject. But it was a mistake not to strike a medal, if only to give Members of Parliament a chance to honour active volunteers in communities across the country.
Say what you like, very few people turn their noses down on a personal recognition.
For Members of Parliament, the medal award process is an opportunity to reach out to multiple constituents, with zero political risk.
It is one of the simplest ways of turning a former political enemy into a friend.
Those who dislike the Queen don’t need to be involved or invited, and those who support the monarchy will be forever grateful for the Canadian recognition.
Sometimes a Member of Parliament can actually build personal support by reaching out to Royal Canadian Legions and others in a medal ceremony.
In a sense, the missed medal opportunity is reflective of the country’s ambivalence toward the monarchy in general.
There are some avid supporters of the monarchy, but most Canadians do not feel strongly about the issue. The biggest question is what would happen if the monarchy were to become redundant.
In most instances, the governor general has become a respected representative of the Queen, in carrying out duties on behalf of the royals across the country.
Mary Simon, as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, is particularly impressive.
Even those who ruminate about abolition following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, have no idea what to replace her with.
Republicanism does not curry much favour with most Canadians.
Abolition poses more questions than answers, which is why a heated Australian vote rejected it.
It is much easier to support a 1,200-year-old monarchical system than to blow it up.
Canadians may not enjoy a platinum celebration this month. But the monarchy is here to stay.
Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister. Follow her on Twitter at @Sheila_Copps.
