Canada plans big party for Queen Elizabeth's jubilee

Royal commentator Richard Berthelsen disuses the Queen's diamond jubilee, saying the date of her accession to the throne is a sad day because it also marks the death of her father. He also discusses some of the big events that are set to take place in the U.K.

CTV News Channel: How will the Queen celebrate?

Eugene Berezovsky with the Monarchist League of Canada discusses how the Queen will be marking her 60 years on the throne.

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Sun. Feb. 5 2012 9:36 PM ET

Queen Elizabeth II ventured out in the cold to attend church Sunday on the eve of her Diamond Jubilee, just as Canada gears up for a major week-long celebration marking her 60 years on the throne.

After all, it was Canada that was first in the world to recognize her as monarch following the death of her father, King George VI, on Feb. 6, 1952.

"Normally she spends these days a little quieter, out of the public eye because of course for her it is a sad moment thinking back on the death of her own father," Royal watcher Richard Berthelsen told CTV News Channel, noting the Queen was on a Commonwealth tour when her father died.

Her endurance, perseverance and unique way of staying with the times endeared her to Canadians throughout her reign, the Monarchist League of Canada‘s Eugene Berezovsky told CTV News Channel.

"She's so remarked for her warmth and compassionate character in meeting people and that's what people remember most about her," Berezovsky said in an interview Sunday.

It's a "unique balancing act" to keep the monarchy relevant, Berezovsky said, suggesting the Queen's success gives people cause to reflect on how the monarchy binds our history and nation together throughout the ages.

"I think we're very much in what is the glorious sunset of what has been an extremely long and successful reign," Berthelsen said. "The Queen, I think, is signalling by her more restrained calendar this year, not travelling outside the UK…there's going to be a moving back, a dialling back somewhat of the schedule."

Prince William and his new wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, are ushering in a new Royal era, he said.

The Canadian celebration kicks off Monday, when Parliament hoists the Queen's official Diamond Jubilee flag featuring a crescent of maple leaves enveloping a diamond and topped by a crown.

Other festivities include an ice-carving of the jubilee emblem at Ottawa's Winterlude, the release of a commemorative Canada Post stamp and a ceremony dedicating new stained-glass at the Parliament buildings.

Also on Monday, the governor general will launch the Jubilee Medals in a ceremony at Rideau Hall. The first batch will be given to 60 "outstanding citizens" -- one medal for each year of the Queen's reign.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston said he plans to award more to Canadians from every province and territory throughout the year.

"The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country," states the Governor General's website. "At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians."

There's a renewed interest in the monarchy in Canada, especially in the afterglow of the visit of newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last summer.

Worldwide celebrations of the jubilee will last about four months, culminating in a lavish ceremony in London on the anniversary of her coronation on June 2, 1953.

Members of the royal family, with the exception of the Queen, will travel throughout the Commonwealth in celebration of the jubilee. Canadians will have their chance to give the royals their due when Prince Charles and his wife Camilla visit Canada in May.

Their trip is expected to be a low-key affair, rather than the whirlwind tour of Prince William and Kate that drew thousands of well-wishers to their events.

Ottawa has pledged $7.5 million to help fund four months worth of commemorative activities, including the total of 60,000 jubilee medals that will ultimately be given to Canadians for outstanding community service.

In a statement posted on the government's dedicated Jubilee website, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the occasion gives Canadians "good reason for celebration," reiterating some of the monarch's past statements on her affection for Canada.

"For only the second time in our history, we will honour the 60-year reign of a Sovereign," he said. "The Queen has dedicated her entire life to the service of others and has always held this country and all Canadians in the deepest of pride and affection."

The Queen, who is 85, is the symbolic head of Britain, Canada and other Commonwealth countries. She is the longest-serving monarch after Queen Victoria.

Grandiose ceremonies planned for the Queen's home country aren't taking place until later this year.

From June 2-5, London will host a carriage parade, a boat pageant and a Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace featuring musicians from across the Commonwealth. A lottery will be held to hand out tickets to lucky United Kingdom citizens.

Comments are now closed for this story

true north
said
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Wow this is the first time I have agreed with Prof Pye Chartt for a long time maybe there is hope for us yet. He is right- why do we cut services to Canadians but still lavish a party on a monarch that is a symbol of repression for many. It will probably upset all the monarchists out there but the old guard is long gone, the lady is a billionaire - we do not need tis kind of expense for Canadian taxpayers at this time. Parties don't make everyone feel ok when you don't know if your job will be there tomorrow.

David On
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This shouldn't be about spending money but respect for Canada's Queen in her 60th year.

wanda
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$7.5 million to help fund four months worth of commemorative activities, including the total of 60,000 jubilee medals from the Ottawa....Really? What does the Queen ever to deserve such a lavish party, maybe it time for her to give something back. I say put the 7.5 million into a fund for the sick kids of Canada...like the ones at at sick kids Toronto, help put a smile on their face. I could think of a lot of things to do with 7.5 million and giving it to the Queen is not one of them.

Gloria
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I'm happy for the Queen. She has worked long and hard, through her 60 years. It wasn't easy for her to be the Queen, she went through a lot of turmoil, as a Queen, wife, mother and grandmother, with obligations to all of them. I marvel at how she coped with everything. Her duties were many, starting in the early morning and, right into the evenings. She still has many meetings every day. So, I applaud her.William and Kate we loved. They were such good sports, right down to the cowboy hats and all.

Kathleen
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I came to Canada to get away from the monarchy only to find that my taxes are still supporting them. As the British government refuses to upgrade our pensions with the cost of living because we live in Canada (USA or Outer Mongolia would be OK) I don't think I'll be celebrating. Proud to be Canadian.

reidjr
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Bob on Vacation
The thing is those that said it times to cut the ties and save money we would not you become like the states it would cost much more.

Quebec Nordique fan
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Here we go again the Royal spongers are coming to Canada once again and with a recession that could be happening is the last thing the poor tax payers of this country needs right now. I cannot the believe that this conservative gov. would allow them to come ho I forgot this is to make our glorious leader get is name in the newspapers across the world and to satisfy his giant ego in front of the royal parasites.

Bryan
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She should get a job like the rest of us but could you just imagine her going on a job interview with a resume. Under her experience she would list "Queening" as her skill. No doubt the interviewee would ask "Queening...don't you mean "cleaning" as in Cleaning lady? She would quirp back "No Queening ...I am an expert Queener". She might be happy working on Burger King since that sounds kind of Royal.

Jo
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Get real. The money could be a great boost to our medical system. No disrespect, we need to be FREE of the Monarchy. I am confident that the Canadian Government can do the job without the Queen. I do admire the young couple, however, it does not change my opinion.
There could be lots of money saved by eliminating the GG position and paying for their travels, housing and benefits..
Come on, it's now 2012. Let's go out on our own.
Get rid of the over-priced useless Senate.

Sailor Girl
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@ Mister-B ... I agree. The Queen, despite being a figure head, is fully able to pay for her own jubilee celebration. Citizens, who choose to celebrate with her, should not be there just to pay the bills. The jubilee medals for community service are ok, shows in museums and churches and parliament as well. But these economic times, when Harper talks about cutting OAS, big portion of this $7.5 million could be saved for OAS. Respect is earned not purchased and paid for. There are many vets that deserve more for what they did for Canada.

Constance
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"The Queen has dedicated her entire life to the service of others and has always held this country and all Canadians in the deepest of pride and affection." That's how I feel about the Queen as well...with pride and affection for her...

Sailor Girl
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@ msi ... I agree partially. I think this great monarch should take example of her grnadson not wanting wedding gifts rather than donations to their and his mother Diana's favourite charities. I have more respect towards the Elizabeth I as a woman and leader during her era than number two. The money would be well spent if Elizabeth II would come around and humbly that monarchy also has to adopt the 21st century ideas. Please, show example as a leader even if just a figure head and encourage donations into charities and modest celebrations. Everyone already knows 'Elizabeth II is the Queen and celebrates her diamond jubilee'.

Casey
said
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Time to grup Canada! Let's get rid of this silly and archaic institution once and for all!

reidjr
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Rudy
The issue is it would open the flood gates while yes most would want canada to cut the ties most want canada to end dual citizenship and change the immergration syste,

Voce in Nanaimo
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This event is probably more important to folks like me. I was born just a few days after Queen Elizabeth became Queen. My mother was from England and we never considered the royal family as being a "joke". When the chips are down, having the royal connection to Canada may save us from any takeover of this country by the US, China or Russia, even India. We have a huge country and a small population. Look at the stats and you begin to realize just how small we are compared to the rest of the world. It don't think its time to through away ties with the royals just yet

Rob Calgary
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No money for health care, education, OAS. But we do have money for someones birthday party, Take from the poor and give to the rich! Something wrong with this picture, bloody insane old boy!

marvin nelson
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how wonderful to celebrate her Majesty's 60 years on the throne. It has been 60 years of devotion to duty that many people these days could not possibly understand. She has stuck to her vows and continues to this day to work for her people and those of the commonwealth. God bless her!!

Ray K, Ottawa
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I really don't understand the magic spell that The Queen and the British Royal Family holds over Canadians.

If Canadians were to elect one of their own citizens to the post (Queen or King of Canada), then make it for life and follow the rules of male primogeniture for succession... would we be so happy?

I think not. We would see it as archaic, elitist and totally out of step with our democratic traditions.

(On a side note, consider how much we malign our Governors-General for "acting royal". Or was that just racism? Perhaps sexism?)

I fear the British Royals (yes, British, not Canadian - look at how they dress and speak) will be with us for a long time to come - if only because of our own inertia.

Brit-Neil
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Canada has loyally served the UK with steadfast co-operation and invaluable aid, among many other causes, fighting the most oppressive regime in history. As an Englishman looking over the water, and having met many Canadians I think this was a fine example of successful British Colonialism, Loyally abiding the Monarchy from years gone by, and maturing into the nation it has become - a nation envied and pursued by many people, particularly on my side of the pond... The constitutional Monarchy is a fine system of government, and is what proudly distinguishes ourselves from our cousins south of your border. God save the Queen

Bob on Vacation
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Seven and a half million taxpayers dollars going to celebrate what????......someone who by accident of birth and supposed "blue blood" sits on a throne in distant England. We apparently have money to burn on Monarchist League events like this, but want to cut entitlements like OAS to seniors....yup..easy to see that we have our priorities right. If the Monarchist League is so enamoured of "royalty", let THEM take up a collection and pay the 7.5 million themselves.

Citizen
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For the person who said that those receiving the medals have already gotten recoginition from their communities. I can tell you they have not, and receiving this recognition from Canada as a whole means a great deal to those people. I suspect most of them have been great volunteers to their community for many years, they are like you and I, just trying to keep this country the caring place it is. So a little of the money being spend will be spent on someone who has helped hundreds of homeless people, and will continue to help knowing that someone has recoginzed what they do for normally no recognition.I thank all of the people who will proudly wear this medal.

B in Ottawa
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We should celebrate Queen Elizabeth's longevity on the throne as our queen. Canada has matured a lot over the last 60 years, but we are still undoubtedly linked to our mother country. Canadians, remember where we came from. We came from Britain, and while we love Canada and cherish Canadian values, this symbolic link to the monarchy is one thing that will always separate us from the United States. We aren't Americans. Our constitutional monarchy is a defining feature of Canada and so is our Queen. Our government would not fuction without her. Let's celebrate the monarchy instead of bashing it. God Save the Queen.

Garry
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Now here's where Stevie Harper can actually cut funding too.Why have lavish ceremonies for the richest Female Senior in the world and then turn around and cut pensions to struggling Canadian seniors.You guys don't have your head screwed on.Away with you.Give the party money to useful charities .her weailth is based on looting third world countries and land slavey form fuedal times .Most of the crown jewels were stolen from other countries.Leave Canadian Seniors alone...

Canadian Ties
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Canadian ties to the UK monarchy is very contraversial. Most canadian of british decent are those who were rejected from their homeland because they were either sick, poor or criminals. Should we spend our tax money to celebrate the monarchy?

Tom
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No....England plans Canada's party and the taxpayers can pay for it. I will admit I got all gushey inside when i saw her in 1978 and 2005. Off to work I go to pay for the party. See ya later.

do the right thing
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Canada hard to believe that Canadian citizens think that a Canadian vets shouldn�t get the jubilee medal first WELL THEN WHO????? Think about it most Canadian vet s from ww2 are in their 80s and without them putting their lives on the line for Canada there might not be a Canada to day????

Helen
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It really annoys me when people refer to the Queen as a foreigner. Canada as we know it today was founded as a British colony under a constitutional monarch, and has since become and independant nation. Our parliament and senate are modelled after the British system as are our constitution and legal system. Everyone who immigrates to Canada does so knowing that we are part of the Commonwealth. If you don't like it, you aren't required to come. The Queen is not foreign; she represents the "mother" of our nation.

Laura Delle
said
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Give her a muskrat - When she visited the White House in 1976 and danced with then President Jimmy Carter the music played to their dance was Captain and Tenille's "Muskrat Love". It's considered one of the biggest bloopers in political diplomacy.

Greg
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Why does our government continue to cry about balancing the budget, then spends millions of our hard earned tax dollars to have some rich person and her family (and rich by birth, not hard earned)come and suck of us!!

TLC
said
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LOL ... coming from an English background, I'm proud to have our Queen visit us. I do have a major problem with the COST of the "party" ... Maybe they just don't know where to shop. Ever hear of Dollarama? Never mind, just give me 1/4 of that amount of money and I'll through you the best party you've ever had! :D

MS
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If anyone has ever been to a CF swearing in, they say will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen. We are still connected in my opinion.

Doug ^^^ BC
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If "Proud Member Of Our Military" is implying that Canadians don't appreciate his/her service,I think the writer is seriously mistaken.And I also think that if tens of thousands of these medals were to be struck,only bleeding hearts from the far politcal left would oppose every serving member receiving one. But is this a contest about who deserves and who doesn't? Comparing a serving member of our CF to an elected MP.MLA,or PM sounds like a mugs game to me.We all know PM Harper or any other PM could not do your job,I think it's fair to say that most serving members could not do the PM's job either.You are trying to compare apples to oranges.Both different.But both equal at the same time. As a military member,you would be very well aware of the chain of command.Some lead and some follow.Some give orders.Others follow orders.All are vital links in the chain. It takes a lot of courage to put on the uniform to defend this country,and what it stands for.Those who do have my ultimate respect.Many of you, and your families suffer a great deal when things go badly.But if you have ever been the leader of any group,you would also know that a leader suffers when things go badly too.They bear the burden of making the tough decision to put you in harms way.When members of our CF fall during a mission,those who sent them on that mission feel that pain too.And they feel it for each and every fallen member. It's not a contest,my friend.Each deserves respect for the roles they play.Neither are roles that most of us aspire to be put into.Yet both are roles that someone must play.It is fitting that we respect both.

Becky Smithers
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Let her spend her own money she's got lots of it! Here I am eating a TV dinner out of the microwave while they toss her a 7.5 million party?!?! She can't even cook a friggin' microwave TV dinner!

Maria Dorian
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A box of Betty Crocker cake and some icing is enough to celebrate her Jubilee. And it costs no more than 5 bucks. 7.5 million? That would go a long ways to fund Canada's Food Banks!

Elizabeth, Ontario
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I totally agree with this celebration. Long Live OUR Queen! The Queen's Diamond Jubilee is a small price to pay for Canadian Heritage. God Save The Queen.

Treaty Indian
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I have no respect for Kings,that makes Queens to.The Crown has never respected us First Nations.Please give the Queen my 5.oo Annuity or treaty money,cause that all she promised me.

Prof. Pye Chartt
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@ Proudly serving Her Majesty: I would like to think that a member of the Canadian Forces supports, defends, and officially represents CANADA, not a benign figurehead presiding from another land. (You're taking improper offense to my opinion. I respect your service. However, I issue no apology for my fundamental position. Thanks.)

Hunter Brumell, Surrey
said
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I fail to see how the monarchy is relevant to modern Canada.

Proud Canadian
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What a joke - Canada has no Queen, except for the weenies professing their loyalty to a british monarchy. Go back to Britain if you love the Queen so much.... seriously.. what an embarrassment.

MeXicalliannie
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You have got to be kidding. When do Canadians get to have a voice on what is spent where??? What is the point of voting? I think our Canadian money should be spent on Canadians!! Sick of seeing so many in need and then spending money needlessly on people that are already have plenty. This makes me sick.

Marty n Gail
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She is OUR QUEEN for 60 yrs she has been OURS. lets celebrate it. people who denegrate it can live is the USA where they worship Kardashians as royalty. Queen Elizabeth IS roayalty and is OURS. I would be a far different society if we didnt have the British system of govt. We love OUR Queen

silvertex
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I find it heard to believe that how can a democracy and monarchy go side by side in canada. Either we follow monarchy in total or democracy. What has the English monarchy ever done besides stealing wealth from their colonies before being thrown out ? How can the Queen even wear the Kohinoor Diamond on her crown while the same was stolen from India? And now we will spend millions for her celeberations ? Wake up .. Maybe the Govt should take money from Mp pensions for these outlandish celeberations..

dualstrats
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high 5 to...Proudly serving Her Majesty ...well said to those who never walked in your shoes and know nothing about valour and pride. we live in a great country and no thanks to those who oppose anything our gov does. think about what all those people who are fighting dictator regimes trying to be free and then consider yourself real lucky we had cdns and allies fighting for our freedoms we enjoy today...go steve go

WSV
said
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Please be thankful that you live in a country as great as Canada with a strong Commonwealth heritage under Our Queen.If you lived in Thailand and made some of the same kinds of rude and disrespectful comments as you have made about Our Queen to their King you would be finding yourself in prison for the next few decades under their Lese Majeste laws. Think about that before you react so quickly against our Canadian culture and traditions.

Rudy
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Enough already! It's high time we had a referendum to finally abolish the monarchy. I do not want another taxpayer dime spent on this foriegner. Canada is not a true democracy as long as we have this symbol of oppression. A majority of modern Canada would certainly vote to remove them, and that's what the politicians are afriad of. I dare them to have a referendum on that, with no vague question!

RJC
said
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Quit gouging the taxpayer and spending it on crap instead of looking after our own, especially seniors who built Canada. Send her a card with a Tim's gift card.

Katie from Ottawa
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I agree that it sounds like a lot of money to spend on cellebrations. But I would think that in hosting such events much money will be raised, spent and ,in short, be a boost to our econmy. If projects are organized well and are able to avoid serious complications then they usually generate a lot of income and good PR for the sponsor. So- where's the harm? There are still many Canadians who have strong ties to the British Comonwealth. As far as I'm concerned there are many other issues that should be addressed before we worry about celebrating the Queen's 60th year of reign.

Dreamin' 2-B Queen!
said
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Another party for a woman who has sat on her ass for 60 years? It's an easy job... wearing a crown, sitting on a throne and going on vacation all the time. I would love to do it myself. If she is sick of the job I'll take it in a heart beat.

Judy
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I think is is okay to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Queen, but I don't think that the amount of money being spent on this occasion should be in the sum of $7.5 million. There are way to many Canadian, that are starving and homeless for the gov't to okay this amount.....yes, celebrate, but not at this cost.....is it really necessary to put stained glass windows in parliament just because of this, I don't think so......no do I think that 60,000 medals need to be awarded to anyone for outstanding service....their communities have already done this.What kind of gov't do we have, I use to think that Harper was good, but now he is no different than any other PM we have had......just spend spend spend in the wrong direction.

Jayme
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New Reasoning
The thing is it would not save any money if anything it would cost more so its fine to say we need to cut ties but the catch is it would cost billions of dollars to switch to a different model.

Obviousstatement
said
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God Save the Queen and the Crown of Canada and Great Britain. Thank our British Heritage for making us the best country in the world, with human rights, parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarch who guides culture and leaders thru time and not the flash in the pan mania of republicanism. Thank you for true freedom of speech even if it allows idiots to criticize the Crown of Canada. Thank you for the Health Care system and the country Britain founded and set free to be. May Canada, the daughter of Great Britain learn to appreciate all that it was given. May the citizens of Canada defend that and our Crown, Queen or King for the ideals they represent of something better....better that temporary politicians, Putins, Palins, Bush's, better than polls or spin or hype of any 50 cent comment. Stand on Guard for Thee.

New Reasoning
said
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I'm against paying one red cent toward her celebration as long as there are Canadian who can't get health care, Canadians who are homeless, Canadian who struggle to make ends meet. It's time to end the royal ties. The Monarchy has no worthy purpose in today's society.

do the right thing
said
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Now theses jubilee medals will be going to any and all ww2 vets still living first I hope??? Then the survivors of the Afghanistan crap then the rest should go to family members of fallen vet�s period...

lc
said
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While the government tells us all to tighten our belts,sides with corporations over workers,cuts civil servants who do needless work like protecting what we breath and digest,prepares to cut pensions and implements long term underfunding of health care they have endless amounts of tax dollars for the beautiful people in corporations and the ruling class,war and foreign nation building.It certainly is a agenda built for kings and queens so if nothing else they are being consistent.

peter in mb
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Normally I agree with what most of what Prof. Pye Chartt says but I disagree this time. I like the tradition of the monarchy. And FYI the Queen and royal family don�t hold any power in Canada or England anymore. Many years ago they decide to have a democratically elected house of commoners to Govern the country. The only power the Queen has in Canada or England is if the parliament falls and the governor general walks out. Then the Queen could sit on the throne in the HOC and call a general election to restore the government.

Mo in Cardinal
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At Prof... To paraphrase Voltaire - "I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it." Many of us have read the history, and you are correct, The Monarchy was built on the backs of "Peasants". For many of us, these Peasants were our ancestors. We can continue to harbour resentment and distaste for such an institution, or we can look at the Monarchy today .to call people "simple=minded" is not only insulting, but it gives us a glimpse into the minds of the so-called "enlightened few" who feel like they are on a mission from some deity to keep the simple-minded minions from finding simple pleasures. The Queen fulfills one of my needs according to "Maslows hierarchy of needs" - Love and understanding."Long live the Queen"

jt
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common sense
Yes there are issues my concern is when every it comes to canadian cultures we should cut yet canada spends billions on immergration cut that by 30% and you would fix alot of issues but no one every wants to do that.

TM
said
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Our tax dollars at work - not.

TJ
said
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@adb427: I'm quite capable of being a proud Canadian WITHOUT having to attach those feelings to an obsolete monarchy from a now third-rate country with a history of oppression of its former colonies.

Leslie from Ontario
said
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Nowadays we have a country full of people from other countries, now wanting to make Canada home. That is a good thing. The french have their traditions and history, that is a good thing. I was born here, my family came from England, Ireland and Scotland. The Queen is about my roots and tradition, why so much fuss about her. Do the people of Canada who have roots with the United Kingdom not matter to fellow Canadians?

Paul ~ Kitchener
said
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GOD bless our Queen, and long may she reign as the "HEAD of CANADA ! Yes ~ we should pay for the visit of our "HEAD of STATE". Canada will celebrate politically and religiously our Queen's diamond jubilee with pride. I would rather spend our tax dollars on our Queen than send it to Africa. Until our government renounces the British Parliamentary System, then me and my family will show the respect, and honour, due her Majesty and her heirs. Loyalty demands respect, not verbal nasty comments against our Head of State.Canada is the best nation in the world and its because of our heritage and loyalty ~ GOD BLESS CANADA & all that serve our NATION !

james wombat
said
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i would prefer that she goes to the falkland islands. they can pay for the trip. i also would like our GG to keep a lower profile and avoid blowing money unnecessarily. every time there is a "news/public relations" story about him, i see thousands of dollars flying out of the window.

common sense
said
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When people are waiting for surgery and there are homeless in the streets I cannot see how even one cent of our tax dollars can go to an event such as this.The monarchy is amusing and the queen is a lovely lady but this has no place in a modern world. This type of special treatment prequires a bit more effort from a person other than what chromosomes combined to create you.

NoContest
said
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A jubilee? Really? I love picking up the tab for other peoples party's, especially when they're billionaires.... it just feels like the right thing to do...

LenP
said
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"Love Live the Queen"

Jt
said
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Johnny in Montreal
So we should model Canada after the States a country that really in in serious trouble a country that many take issue many say the reason there are so many issues in the states is due to there system.

Ex-Pat
said
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If the Prof and any others can provide me with an alternative that would be less cumbersome and less of a burden on the taxpayer, then bring it on. The US model relies on Billionaires who raise money from Millionaires to run the country in their own likeness. The heaven-sent "President for Life" system in Nth Korea et al leaves no doubt about who controls what for whom - and it surely isn't the common man. The SOuth American "democracies" are run by the Military - as in other parts of the worls while the remainder are run by Militias who rape, pillage and burn to impose their way. Sorry folks , but give me the Constitutional Monarchy that we have in place, which though imperfect is, as Churchill famously said, the best we have to offer.

Marty
said
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There is nothing wrong with celebrating a little bit of our heritage. And if you want to pick on something pick on our wonderful MP's who are proposing a cut to OAS pensions but not to their lavish pensions. Take from the poor and helpless while they hang on to their golden ticket. This celebration is not the enemy. MP's are supposed to act in the best interests of the people- it's about time they actually START doing it!

Sean C
said
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the Republic of Canada... ya... because what we really need right now is to spend hundreds of millions more dollars every few years on a new level of national election, a new political office complete with staff, motorcades and partisan political operations (along with the relatively inexpensive community based operations that the Governor General surrently performs for Canadians and not politics), what we need is a nother level of government to fight with the others and it is essential that, as a republic, we ensure that instead of being the subjects of a monarchy we become the political tokens of our new President! So, that being said... do you know how dumb you people sound when you complain about the cost of the monarchy, which is practically entirely community focused, and don't for a second think about the cost of a new, partisan, political branch of government? Seriously... think about it... it will not and cannot be cheaper, it will unquestionably cost us a fortune!

Ian in Ottawa
said
0 0

Prof Pye - Oh, right... totally forgot about the history of the monarchy since thats all that seems to matter to you, forget what it is now, who cares! And in the same token of the impossibility for an institution to modernize, I think it is incumbant on the Canadian Government to treat our Native population with complete disrespect, to lock up thousands of Japanese Canadians in prisons (along with every other nationality we find ourselves in turmoil with), with should immediate disenfranchise women from voting and remove all of them from elected office, return our constitution to the UK for them to rule over us, on the annuversary of the War of 1812 we should send Harper to burn down the White House, and when all of that is said and done we should engage in some internal French vs. English scuttles while separating from any province and territory that didn't join in 1867 - Because after all Professor, history never changes!

DownwiththeQueen
said
0 0

phfff the queen.. more money that is being wasted that could go towards OAS!

Proudly serving Her Majesty
said
0 0

Speaking as a soldier, I serve Her Majesty who holds my Oath of Allegence. I do NOT serve any political party, or any written legal fiction forced on us by Trudeau. My Queen is represented here by the Governor General, and served by our elected representatives in Parliament who are responsible to the Queen of Canada to govern this country responsibly and well. Our traditions and laws stem from this heritage and I will never apologise for belieivng in them. If you think I am weak willed or have little self respect, you are yourself a poor example of a man, I have worn this uniform for 24 years and walked on every inhabited continent (mostly where people have tried to perforate me). I have nothing to prove to the likes of you.

Dave
said
0 0

I find it hard to believe all the crap coming from so called anti Monarchists we have a History in this country lets celebrate it. I bet when Obama came here for what 1 day it cost more than this Jubilee and he wasn't asked to pay for it. Maybe you would rather we became a U.S. State. Nah I think not you would still find something to gripe about.

Will
said
0 0

Sometimes, Prof, you really do miss the point. Put aside your dislike of the institution for a moment and consider what a constitutional monarchy represents in terms of stability, and responsible government. Politicians come and go, the Crown remains. Or woudl you really prefer to have a coronation every four years like our neighbours?

TheOtherLowellInBC
said
0 0

After reading some of these remarks, only one thing to say. God Save The Queen.

K Markham
said
0 0

How very fortunate we are to have this heritage. Our monarchy is one of the most respected institutions in the world, its our history, our pride and its what shaped Canada into the country it is today. Truly worthy of celebration.

Proud member of our Military
said
0 0

It is awesome that our Queen is celebrating 60 years on the throne. But I must admit I'm a little disappointed in who gets to receive her diamond jubilee medal. As a serving member of our military and doing so for the last 25 years I feel that each and everyone that is serving with honour in Her Majesty's service for Canada during this time should receive a medal and not just a select few. This article states that the GG will being giving the medal to deserving Canadians, 100 to 1 says that our current PM will receive a medal... now come on folks who deserves it more; someone that signed on the dotted line stating he/she will give their life for Queen and country or our hot air politicians? I say strike the number of medals required to give to ALL our military members, police officers, firefighters along with anyone else who put their life on the line each and every day and any other deserving member of this great country.

Edward
said
0 0

Maybe all the tory MPS should dig in their own pockets amd pay for this Jubilee, and not hose the taxpayer.

WhatsamattaU
said
0 0

Maybe we can hold it in Tony Clement's riding. That's where the money will be going...again!

Dave in Ottawa
said
0 0

Wonderful! We have no money for OAS, but we can blow what we have on a party. You have to just love the priorities.

paulb
said
0 0

Could the Queen honor Cononel Bye for building the canal. That would be a great thing for Canada. Because its still embarrassing the way it was left to us. The men who worked on the thing weren't over paid or recognized either by Canada or Britian.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said
0 0

Thanks.Very exciting. (I just peed my pants a little.) Though we've put a glorious modern-day spin on the Monarchy and turned the Queen's reign into a delightful privilege, for those who haven't allowed their brain to spill out of the side of their head, by forgetting history, it actually represents undemocratic rule by an obscenely wealthy sovereign authority who gleefully endorsed the class system, the caste system, peerage, and keeping a strong thumb pressed squarely on the forehead of the "little people." In order for democracy to flourish, the Monarchy had to be forcefully opposed, and stripped of its all-encompassing power and control. (The thought of any lefty or libertarian in the Commonwealth finding these entitled folks worthy of grand celebratory worship makes me chuckle. Politically hypocritical fools.) Unlike many Canadians, I don't relish being a Royal "subject." It's demeaning, but, hey, if your self-respect is limited, knock yourself out and go crazy for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth. (She's ostensibly a fine woman who I have little against personally.)

Johnny in Montreal
said
0 0

I say Canada dumps the monarchy and become the Republic of Canada, just like it is in the u.s. That jubilee is going to come from the taxpayer's money

mister-B
said
0 0

We have to cut old age security payments, but we've got $7.5 million for this nonsense? She's a billionaire, let her pay for her own party.

JB in Ontario
said
0 0

What a class lady. Long live the Monarchy!

Josh from Bowmanville
said
0 0

Wow.... Taxes on the rise.... Big corporations closing shop in Ontario and all over the country... Once again we the blue collar people will be picking up the tab for this one... Wow are we ever stupid!

adb427
said
0 0

It is grand to celebrate our heritage. It will help to bring back the proud to be Canadian sperit.

msi
said
0 0

I find it incredible that our Gov would spend millions on some old rich broad and her useless family. Down with the monarchy..... it is a relic of colonialist era that we can entirely do without. Sure they had some powerful people in their past but realistically .... what have they done of significance lately. I say dump the queen and spend that money on people or programs that will actually benefit someone in need

Dan from Montreal
said
0 0

She's probably Canada's greatest monarch. 60 years on the throne and hopefully she remains on the throne for many more years.

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