Manitobans split on future of constitutional monarchy: poll By: Kevin Rollason Posted: 7:00 PM CST Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 Last Modified: 7:10 PM CST Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 Updates

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It doesn’t matter whether it is Queen Elizabeth or a future king Charles sitting on the British throne, Manitoba leads the country in its support for a constitutional monarchy.

Thirty-eight per cent of Manitobans who responded to a recent poll by Angus Reid Institute said yes, when asked if Canada should continue with the system of government for generations to come.

That’s considerably higher than the 25 per cent of Canadians who responded positively to the same question, a number down from the more than 40 per cent who said they supported it just five years ago.

However, the poll also showed just as many Manitobans are against having the constitutional monarchy outlive Queen Elizabeth, who turned 95 this year.

Thirty-eight per cent of Manitobans said they were against the constitutional monarchy continuing; 24 per cent said they weren’t sure.

Across the country, 52 per cent of Canadians believe the constitutional monarchy should be ditched; 23 per cent weren’t sure.

Dwight MacAulay, who was the province’s chief of protocol for almost two decades and 14 Royal visits before retiring in 2017, believes it’s those numerous visits to the Keystone province by members of the Royal family which has helped give them such high appeal.

“Manitobans has great affection to the Royal family, no matter who comes,” MacAulay said Tuesday.

“The Queen and Prince Philip, as well as all of her children, have all been here. Obviously, the most popular one is the Queen — that’s without question. When you see the faces of people, and not just ones who are the Queen’s age, you see their faces light up, especially young people,” he said.

“It doesn’t surprise me Manitoba is leading the pack.”

MacAulay also pointed to the organizations the Queen has recognized with the Royal designation, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.

“We have a lot to show people in Manitoba and the Queen has helped showcase them,” he said.

“Political parties change, prime ministers and leaders change, but the monarchy is more constant and it is comforting to a lot of people… Every chance we’ve been offered for a visit, we have accept with generous enthusiasm.”

The poll also found it depends who the monarch is.

While 55 per cent of Canadians say they support the constitutional monarchy as long as Queen Elizabeth is head of state, that drops precipitously to 34 per cent for those who would like to see it continue under Charles, 73, the Prince of Wales.

Quebec has the least support in Canada. Almost three-quarters, or 72 per cent, of Quebecers believe the nation should no longer have a constitutional monarchy, while only 10 per cent support it.

Murray Birt, head of the Manitoba branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society, said he has “a strong affinity for supporting the Commonwealth and the Royal family.”

“I’m glad to see this support in Manitoba,” said Birt. “I would endorse that.”

“I’m glad to see this support in Manitoba.” – Murray Birt, head of the Manitoba branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society

Bob Vandewater, another member of the society and former honorary colonel of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, said he was disappointed in the poll results.

“I’m happy we have the strongest support (in Manitoba), but I think the numbers are too low,” said Vandewater. “People just don’t understand about the monarchy’s contributions to the community.”

Among them, Vandewater said, is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

“Prince Philip started them, and it is for excellence,” he said. “They change young peoples’ lives and turn them into respectable and achieving citizens.

“I would be very astounded if the constitutional monarchy disappeared.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is one of the more versatile reporters at the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether it is covering city hall, the law courts, or general reporting, Rollason can be counted on to not only answer the 5 Ws — Who, What, When, Where and Why — but to do it in an interesting and accessible way for readers.

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