October 01, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada believe their country should sever its relationship with the British royal family, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 53 per cent of respondents would support Canada ending its formal ties to the British monarchy.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada believe their country should sever its relationship with the British royal family, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 53 per cent of respondents would support Canada ending its formal ties to the British monarchy.

Under the terms of the Canadian Constitution, Queen Elizabeth II holds the position of Canada’s head of state. The Queen—who has been the monarch of 16 independent nations since February 1952—turned 81 in April.

Prince Charles is first in line to succeed Queen Elizabeth II, followed by his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. 55 per cent of respondents said Canada should end its formal ties to the British monarchy if Prince Charles becomes King.

When asked who should ascend the throne after Queen Elizabeth II, 35 per cent of respondents pick Prince William, 20 per cent select Prince Charles, and 29 per cent think there should be no monarch after the current Queen.

In October 2002, then-Canadian deputy prime minister John Manley expressed his views on the monarchy before an official visit by Queen Elizabeth II to Canada, saying, "I do believe when most people think about it and realize our head of state is foreign—when she travels she doesn’t represent Canada, she represents Great Britain—I think they kind of realize this is really an institution that’s a bit out of date for Canada to continue with." Manley later regretted his statement, declaring, "I wished I’d been a little more skilful at not answering a question."

Then-Progressive Conservative leader and former Canadian prime minister Joe Clark criticized Manley, adding, "I thought his remarks represented, first of all, simple rudeness, and secondly, the worst possible political judgment. I was astounded."

Polling Data

Next, we’d like to ask you some questions about the monarchy. Under the terms of the Canadian Constitution, Queen Elizabeth II holds the position of Canada’s head of state. Would you support or oppose Canada ending its formal ties to the British monarchy?

Support	53%
Oppose	35%
Not sure	12%

In the future, Prince Charles may become King of the United Kingdom and Canada. If Prince Charles does become King, would you then support or oppose Canada ending its formal ties to the British monarchy?

Support	55%
Oppose	31%
Not sure	13%

Thinking about the future King of the United Kingdom and Canada, which of these options would you prefer?

Prince Charles should become King after Queen Elizabeth II	20%
Prince William should become King after Queen Elizabeth II	35%
Neither, there should be no monarch after Queen Elizabeth II	29%
Not sure	16%

Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,032 Canadian adults, conducted from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22, 2007. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

 

Complete Poll (PDF)

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