Some Canadians are arguing that Canada should become independent from the British monarchy after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
They see Canada as an opportunity to sever ties with the British royal family and transform it into a republic in which the prime minister can act as head of state.
Immigrants from Commonwealth countries have also paid tribute to the queen while criticizing the monarchy’s role in atrocities perpetrated during her past colonial rule.
Famod Chabra, president of the Indo-Canada Association, said: “I respect the Queen, but when the British Empire ruled India, it caused the deaths of many.”
Monir Hossein, chairman of the Bangladesh-Canadian Parliament, also said that “Queen Elizabeth II has made a significant contribution to the modern world” but criticized “the British Empire made Bangladesh her colony”.
Meanwhile, in a wave of her mourning over her death as Queen Elizabeth II, calls for the abolition of her monarchy are also spreading on social media and the like.
Some argue that the transition for Canada to a republic will not be easy. The reason is that the constitutional amendment process can cause national political chaos.
However, there are many cases in which a country that was part of the Commonwealth in the past changed its system to a republic. Ireland and India became republics in 1948 and 1950 respectively. As of 2022, 36 of the 56 member states of the Commonwealth are republics, more than those maintaining a constitutional monarchy like Canada.
Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away peacefully, was head of the Commonwealth throughout her reign of 70 years.