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Home : Top Stories : Queen not on the list for Quebec City birthday bash

Queen not on the list for Quebec City birthday bash

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CTV News: Roger Smith covers the supposed snub

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Mon. Dec. 10 2007 10:28 PM ET

Canada's monarchists are upset at Ottawa for what they say is an "insult" to the Queen, after she was left off the list for Quebec City's 400th birthday bash next year.

Dignitaries from around the world will be in Quebec City next year to celebrate the city's birthday.

But there are media reports that the Tories have vetoed a visit by the Queen apparently because it may upset soft nationalists and separatists in Quebec.

When confronted about the controversy, Heritage Minister Josee Verner said that "It's not foreseen Her Majesty, the Queen will visit Canada in 2008."

When reporters pressed the minister on the reason, Verner repeated her statement.

The Queen's absence on the invitation list has upset her Canadian supporters.

"To not invite the Queen to an event like this is an insult to the Queen," said Robert Finch, head of the Monarchist League of Canada.

Quebec's intergovernmental affairs minister Benoît Pelletier has told the media that the provincial government wanted the Queen at the celebrations. But on Monday, his colleague Christine St-Pierre, the province's culture minister, contradicted his statement.

"This is the will of the government of Quebec," St-Pierre said.

But documents from the Federal Heritage Department appear to tell a different story. Several planning notes say that "Quebec has expressed a desire to have a royal visit."

An email last April advised that "informal discussions with Buckingham Palace" were underway.

But Prime Minister Stephen Harper's press secretary later weighed in.

He "wanted to know how the 400th ended up on the list of potential events ... PMO is looking into situation."

NDP Leader Jack Layton said that he doesn't understand why the Queen has been shut out of the ceremonies.

"Given the people of Quebec City -- I'm sure -- want everyone to come and celebrate the magnificent 400th birthday, I don't know why anyone would want to exclude the Queen," he said.

But at least one MP doesn't want the Queen there.

"On that issue, I'm supporting their (the Harper government's) decision," said Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe.

When the Queen visited Quebec in 1964, baton-wielding police arrested 34 separatist demonstrators. A much more peaceful reception greeted the Queen when she visited the province in 1987.

With a report from CTV's Roger Smith and The Canadian Press

Please Add Comments( )

Mario
said
0 0

While I consider myself a monarchist - I agree with the decision not to invite the Queen. The Queen of England attending a New France settlement celebration(400) - doesn't make much sense to me.


Shamaro
said
0 0

I'm sure politics has something to do with why Harper hasn't asked the Queen to come to the 400th anniversary of Quebec, however as far as my opinion is concerned, we don't need to have the Queen here for every single occasion.


Charles
said
0 0

A case could be made either way for inviting or not inviting the Queen to Quebec City. The fact that Harper does not forsee a visit means that he is not even willing to discuss it. Political cowardice I think.


moran.mcmahon
said
0 0

It's not surprising to hear that Prime Minister Harper is behaving this way. Political-correctness has so gripped our country that we can't move to the right or to the left for fear of offending someone. God help us!


JTJ
said
0 0

I grew up in Qc all my life and I know exactly what would of occurred if Harper would of asked for the Queen to be present, riot!!! Yes you heard me riot!!! Quebecers do not want any part with the Queen so this is a good move by Harper, congrats!!!


Michael (Ottawa)
said
0 0

I feel that out of respect and consideration plus historical sensitivities, that the issue whether or not the Queen should attend ought to be up to the Quebec Assembly and Quebec City politicians.

If they wish to invite her and feel there is place for her participation, it will speak to harmony and respect which exists between Quebec and all Canadians!

I say we let Quebeckers decide!


Jeebus
said
0 0

Bonus points for Mr Harper! It's time to distance us from the Queen and the monarchy. Why invite the Queen of Brithish Empire for a French/Quebec function?
Punt the Queen! She is only a figure head, get her off our money too!


tim
said
0 0

I consider myself a monarchist also and Queen Elizabeth is still my Queen and Queen of Canada.

Quebec is not really a part of Canada and so what is the point is inviting her?


Ry
said
0 0

The irony here that I do not understand - why is everyone so pent up about the PM not inviting her?

She's the Queen of Canada and HIS direct boss outside of the electorate. Last I read the Constitution, she really didn't need his permission to come home.

So the PM didn't invite her, she doesn't need to be invited? I think her staff read enough of the Canadian media that if Canadians were that interested in seeing her there, she would attend on her own initiative.


Anne in Brantford
said
0 0

Why not invite the Queen?

Leave the decision up to her to come and celebrate or not.

Who is Harper to decide that for her?

She has a mind of her own and knows very well how to use it!


Mike from Canada
said
0 0

Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada at the moment...all of Canada, and that includes Quebec. She should be invited. After all, on the very Coat of Arms for Quebec, the Heraldic Lion, representing the British Monarch, still stands proudly. Besides, if there is a perceived threat to Her Majesty, she has many advisors and security staff who will mitigate and advise on that matter. Invite her, and let her decide if she'd like to come.


NV
said
0 0

I think it's quite savvy of Harper. No one views Elizabeth as "Canada's Queen" and Quebeckers would certainly (and rightfully) be up in arms about her arrival. Who do you think would have to foot the bill in the end?


T-Roy
said
0 0

The Queen is our head of state, and Quebec is part of Canada, including Quebec City. This is just more of Harper slumming for votes. Very sad. He'll go further than anyone in Canadian History to get a his beloved majority. Scares me to think exactly what he intends to do with it if he'll break every principle to get it.


Alain Hardy
said
0 0

Mario is right, Quebec city was a French colony not a British one. The Queen have nothing to do there.


D.R.
said
0 0

Why on earth do we need a British Queen going to New France (Quebec) to celebrate a B-Day party??? Come to think of it, why do we need a Queen ....at all????
It's time to move passed Royalty. Self proclaimed, self righteous, family that has blood, just like you and me. Royalty has had it's time.


Daniel
said
0 0

Mario, she is also the Queen of Canada!


David in Exeter
said
0 0

Ummm - ok... why is it that ALL decisions are the PM's to make??? He has ministers in place for a reason - and will heed their advice. Ridiculous how the media and opposition jump on any opportunity to make the PM look like a bad guy - come one - can we get on with governing a country rather than petty politics and hey media! - you don't have to run with EVERY so called story that you feel will garner readers/viewers - start reporting NEWS!!


Daniel Tessier
said
0 0

In this day and age of freedom and democracy, I have no idea why we are even thinking about this. Other than amusing a few traditionaists and historians, the monarchy serves no purpose whatsoever. Let's save the money (and the poltical headache) and feed the, er, hungry.


Daniel
said
0 0

I lived on the prairies most of my life but have been lucky enough to live in most parts of Canada, residing now in the east. With that perspective and the historical reality of 1760 I can't see why anyone would even think of asking the Queen to visit Quebec. I also hope that one day people will wake up and realize that it is time for Canada to become a republic. I do not agree that this disfunctional family continues to be our head of state.


Elizabeth
said
0 0

I agree with Mario & Shamaro, it is not necessary to expect the Queen to visit every event in our country. It is expensive to taxpayers and security is a nightmare. It's very possible enquiries were made of Royalty by this Government as to the feasibility of a visit.


Pat_Pending
said
0 0

I'll do one better than Shamaro: I don't think we need the Queen here for any occasions. The US got rid of the monarchy over 200 years ago, and they have never looked back. It's time we did the same.


Mark Young
said
0 0

I beleive this is another indication that Mr. Harper is weak; he should put the national interest ahead of a minority. I'm sure that the Queen should be invited, as such French political representatives could be invited too. Harper should show courage and do the right thing; invite both British and French figures as Quebec is equally as French as the rest of Canada is English.


Chad in London
said
0 0

I don't really feel like funding another "Royal Visit"...The fact she isn't invited is fine with me. Let's spend that money on the homeless, public housing, or debt reduction. Why are we worried about something so trivial as this? Just another excuse to drag the government through the mud.


Left Coast
said
0 0

Her Majesty is Queen of Canada. All of Canada, not just the English speaking part. She should be invited to attend the most important events of Canadian life. Quebec City's 400th birthday is one such event. Of course our Royal Family should be there.


jonathan
said
0 0

What's all the fuss about ?

Why on earth do we need the queen of England to visit Canada ?

If she wants to come, so be it, pay your own way like any other tourist would.


Paul Hansen
said
0 0

What exactly was the relationship of the British Crown and the founders of Quebec City 400 years ago?

I am thinking it is a Quebec City celebration...whatever works for them.


Scott
said
0 0

England should have been booted out of here a long before 1982. Kick her to the curb. It is the old polices of England that messed up most of the world anyways. England signed contracts all over the world that they never intended on honoring anyhow. Most the middle East, Africa, Canada andthe natives and many other nations.

Joe
said
0 0

A more likely reason is that Harper feels that Canada is a big country now and doesn't need to hold mommy England's hand. And Quebec separatists still manage to inflame tensions about the plains of Abraham, so there probably would be trouble. Seems prudent to me.


rob
said
0 0

The French lost the war. Get over it. The Queen is our head of state, deal with it. Invite her, it's a national celebration of pride.

What's next.. quebeckers won't way english cbc broadcasting it, or all speeches must be in french.

Canada is canada, strong and united, ..the queen is the head of canada..




Uwe Warkholdt
said
0 0

I trust Mr. Harper's decision on this. I don't believe that he is snubbing the Queen. Perhaps he thought it wouldn't fit the celebration.


Deborah, for a Truly Free Canada
said
0 0

Canada, let's just have a "revolution" and declare ourselves FREE of the British monarchy!!


steve
said
0 0

Are we Canadian? Or British? I can't fathom why we are still attached to the hip with the British monarchy. Let's sever the cord once and for all.


Paul
said
0 0

The continued existence of the Royal Family is a slap in the face to the notion of equality and democracy. On the moral side of things, that a society will gleefully dump so much money in the laps of a few people for simply being born under a certain name, while others around the world (including the countries where the Royals hold a stake) starve or live in abject poverty... it's disgusting.

Seriously - it's time to abolish the idea of "Royals" altogether and put these boring, snooty, over-precious, over-privileged dinosaurs out to pasture... I don't care if "the queen" ever sets foot in Canada again.


JD in Alberta
said
0 0

Do people realize how much it cost Canadian taxpayers to have anyone from the royal family visit Canada? Hundred's of thousands of dollars.I believe that money is better spent elsewhere.

Furthermore, Why do we still have ties to the monarchy at all? What purpose do they serve, c'mon really. It's the 21st Century... Let's separate ourselves from England's Queen, get her off our money and let Canada be Canada.

If the Monarchists here want a queen to worship... Easy move to England.


Dave T
said
0 0

Lots of good English soldiers died in defeating the French and making Quebec part of the British Empire. In my mind, if the Queen wanted to walk the streets of Quebec City, She should do so at her whim. With a Canadian military escort if She should choose to.

And if she chooses not to come, that'd be fine too. Her call, Her land.


Ian
said
0 0

I hope Quebec City is footing the bill for the 400th birthday bash and not the tax payers in the rest of Canada. I'm getting tired of the whole Quebec thing, who really cares what they think?

John T
said
0 0

I think what galls people is that here is another example of 'tradition' unilaterally dismissed by our minority PM Harper.

Far from being conservative, either small or large C, I am appalled and constantly irritated by Harper's radicalism. I don't like seeing our institutions trashed and our values eroded. I liked what we were dammit and I want to stay that way. The world liked us, we were at peace, we were an open society...and now we have this opportunist minority PM running roughshod over our way of life.

It's too much. I know a third of Canadians pretty much agree with Harper, but I think they are just social vandals going around wrecking things just because, for the time being, they can get away with it.

Anyway, if protocol dictates that Her Majesty is to be invited, then that is how it should be. End of story.


ET
said
0 0

I guess this is what Mr. Harper means by "open federalism"!


Scott
said
0 0

Elizabeth is the Queen of Canada by constitution only, otherwise nobody considers her as the de facto queen (except the old monarchists). I'm certain if we took a national referendum to seperate form the British Commonwealth the majority would support it....if not now, then 10 years from now for sure. And this is a good move by Harper; why would you want to insult Quebecers with inviting a symbol that they despise?


govnor
said
0 0

The queen has no business in Canada.


Robyn
said
0 0

I do not think the Queen would really want to come to Quebec in the first place. Just a bunch of people who think they are better than everyone else.

I am a true and extremely loyal citizen of the Commonwealth and PROUD OF IT!!! Long live Her Majesty!!


Paul (NWT)
said
0 0

Good decision by Harper.
The British had nothing to do with the founding of Quebec City.
And, while we're coming to our senses about the monarchy, why not get the monarch off our stamps and currency? Or sooner or later we'll have King Charles adorning our loonie.


GB
said
0 0

I don't suppose the Canadian flag will be flying in the city for the occasion anyway and I doubt they even want the PM there.


PR
said
0 0

I am sick of people from the west saying that Quebec is 'not really part of Canada'. Quebec was part of the original Canada when Alberta was still a backwater. the maple leaf, the name 'Canada' and the Canadian national anthem? from Quebec!

Geoffrey
said
0 0

Wow. It's amazing how ignorant many Canadians are about their own political system. Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada and our head of state. In her capacity here, it has nothing to do with her position in "England" ( I think you mean the United Kingdom). There is no "Queen of England". And "get rid of her"? In favour of what? More corrupt politicians? An American style republic? Groan.

Dan
said
0 0

What a bunch of Quebec bashers we have here. It strikes me that most of these comments are coming from people who have never lived in Quebec. Why would we invite the Queen to this event? Use some common sense, she wouldn't be welcomed, so why put her in the awkward position.


Patriotic Canadian
said
0 0

Political correctness. That is all we get all the time in this country. We can't do this, say that, wear this, display that without offending someone. Canada was built on two nations England and France. What would be wrong in inviting the heads of both countries to help celebrate the founding of this city? We have become a country where you are no longer allowed to show support for anything without offending (riot or not) someone.


Gonzo
said
0 0

We really do have better things to worry about don't we? The high Canadian dollar, Canadian retailers reaping Canadians off, how does the Queen coming to Canada alleviate poverty or help the environment or help tax payers? If none I guess this headline shouldn't see daylight!!



Frank Buchan
said
0 0

Finch is wrong; most Canadians couldn't care less about the Queen these days. She's an anachronism. It really is irrelevant if the monarchists still worship the concept, because democracy trumps the royalty even in England.

And why rile the separatists for no good reason?

A sound decision, hardly a snub, and any other choice would have been historically insensitive.


Jen
said
0 0

The bloc that represent the separatist party of Quebec stand daily in the parliament which represents the Queen; to to top it off, they get their salary from the Monarchy.
It is about time that the Bloc also accepts the Queen or leave the parliament.
What do you think; I personally think that the Bloc should leave.


Danielle
said
0 0

I do not like the politics of the conservative party. But this is one time I side with Harper and his party. What does the Queen even do anymore? Isn't the monarch responsible for slavery, colonization, and displacements of millions of people so that they could build empire? We're our own country and her coming and causing tension will not help Quebec and the rest of Canada get along.


Samuel
said
0 0

Whether you like it or not, the Queen has the constitution of Canada vested in her name and has every right to be present as Quebec celebrates this important event. I do in strong tones disagree with the Prime Minister with this. This country has a functioning head of state and for us, here and now, it is the Queen.


Steve
said
0 0

I guess it would be somewhat awkward to have the head of state of the conquering nation presiding over a celebration of the conquered...peut etre?


airline
said
0 0

I agree with Jeebus,"Punt the Queen".What has the monarchy done for Canada in the last 100 years but cost us a whole lot off money.England is rumbling about abolishing the Queen,lets get onboard.


LW Waterloo
said
0 0

I agree with Dave T, did we forget the war of 1812? We could have been all a part of the united states if we didn't have British soldiers to help defend us. And how about our cities in Canada, alot are named after cities and towns in england. Gee i wonder why. could it be that it was British subjects that built this country? and our flag, wasn't it the union jack? we can't lose our heritage. It's the only thing we have left, the royal family. I'm proud to be a british descendant even though I never been to England. God save our gracious queen long live our noble queen.....


Aimée
said
0 0

I think its time for Canada to develop without the influence of the monarchy. Having the Queen come would be very offensive and divisive to Quebeckers and french Canadians. As a French Canadian I would prefer to concentrate on the celebration of Quebec City and not on the conquering of New France. We really don't need to turn every issue into a language debate and having the Queen come would do that. Let's remember what we are celebrating. It's time for Canada to grow without Britain's influence. If the prime-minister weren't attending then I would be offended.


Ian
said
0 0

What I find the most sad is how even though everyone knows that it is the proper thing, not to invite the Queen, the anti Harperites have to turn this into a partisan issue. Politicians have to make tough decisions, and I'm sure there was plenty consultation done in advance of this decision. Grow up! If Harper had invited her, you guys would be criticizing him for that too on the basis that we'd have to shell out for extra security yada yada yada...


James
said
0 0

Lets just get rid of the Queen and her relationship with Canada. I'm sure we can all survive without a few royal waves, and tv anchors gushing over her lovely oufit of the day. The times of the Monarchy are long over, and its time we let this figurehead (as elequent as she is)go. When the Queen really stands for something, please let me know.


Proud Veteran
said
0 0

>>>JD in Alberta
Do people realize how much it cost Canadian taxpayers to have anyone from the royal family visit Canada? Hundred's of thousands of dollars.I believe that money is better spent elsewhere.<<<

Oh really? I could say the same thing about the Pope. How much do you think it costs to have hime come to Canada so people can kiss his ring???


ME
said
0 0

Do those Monachists know what it costs to have the Queen in Canada. WE pay the full shot and it costs a bundle--for what. If she wants to come here let her pay the shot--she has the money and we have better things to spend our money on.


Jay
said
0 0

Why is it that Quebec only represents a small portion of the population but still dictates 90% of what goes on the country. The Queen is the head of state and should be included in a matter such as this. I for one would be proud to see the Queen back in Canada. For the separatists, if it is really that bad here, go back to France.

john
said
0 0

Can't we do anything on our own ?


JS
said
0 0

What makes Quebec so special that the Queen should even be considered an invitation to come to its birthday? The queen wasn't at any of the other province's birthdays.


uKEBAT
said
0 0

I THINK WE SHOULD BE MORE UPSET THAT KANYE WEST WAS INVITED!


huang
said
0 0

I don't thinks its up to the federal government to the decide and it should be up to the Quebec government and the people of Quebec to decide because its their celebration.


Foster
said
0 0

The Queen is still the Head of State for this country. We should have accorded her that respect at least, and still should have extended an invitation to Her Majesty to come. Too many knuckle heads in this country don't know what they are talking about when they say, "the British Queen this, the British Queen that....". By our constitution, she is still OUR Queen! God Save Her!


John Royle
said
0 0

"The US got rid of the monarchy over 200 years ago, and they have never looked back. It's time we did the same."

Pat_Pending,

Are you serious!?..... The US has one of the worst Heads of State in that Nations short history .... At least the present Head of State of our Sovereign Nation has performed her duties without blemish for over half a century and as a Loyal Canadian I say "Long May She Reign"...............



Quebec bashing is poor form...
said
0 0

As an Anglophone born and raised in Quebec, educated in Montreal & Quebec City and now living in Ontario I am disgusted and angered with the statements of a few "Quebec bashers" whose statements reflect their total ignorance of Quebec life and culture which has helped shape Canada into what it is today.



Josh in Alberta
said
0 0

Her Majesty is Queen of Canada and thus has a right to attend the birthday celebrations as last time I checked Quebec was still part of CANADA. Of course I know how much it costs to have bring Her Majesty home, I would much rather have my money spent there then given to Liberal friendly ad agencies in Quebec. God Save the Queen!


DW
said
0 0

We have a separatist as the Queen's representative in Canada. Why would the Queen not be invited to celebrate Quebec's 400th anniversary? Oh-maybe it is the one-way political correctness again?


Victor
said
0 0

In 1982 the Queen accepted a document without the signature of Quebec.

It's only fair to exclude the Queen, after all it's only fair.

Seriously though, I would have liked to see the Queen attend this event.


Paul
said
0 0

Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada. The British could get rid of her with an act of Parliament but she would still be Queen of Canada. If you don't know this simple and fundamental fact you're simply ignorant.

To argue that her presence would be too expensive is simply provincial; the cost of the whole celebration should then be scrubbed for reason of costs.

I'm willing to debate the merits of monarchy if you seek to replace it. In the mean time, the Queen of Canada should be welcome in her own land at the time of a great celebration. She is after all a Canadian citizen.


Fred
said
0 0

Of course the Queen belongs there as much as the Prime minister of Canada or Quebec because she is the head of state weather the separatists (who don't even hold official opposition anymore) like it or not. As was said before even KANYE WEST was invited...


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