Why the word “Royal” has no place in today’s Canada

Since the announcement by Defense Minister Peter McKay that the word Royal would be added to the Canadian Air Force and Navy a debate has sprouted in blogs, radio and TV whether this is necessary in this age and time?

In 1971 when former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau of Canada announced that he saw Canada not as a single unitary culture but as a plurality of cultures, it set the foundation of Canada’s future identity and character. His vision that the richness of Canada would come not from hanging on to its past but from the tolerance of various cultures of the world was a cry few understood then let alone tolerated. For some, however, it seemed, Canada, to the exception of Quebec, was Anglo-Saxon and would always remain Anglo-Saxon. But, Pierre Trudeau saw beyond the bilingualism of just Quebec and the rest of Canada. With the strength of his conviction he introduced the Multiculturism Policy to the House of Commons, which was the first of its kind not only in Canada but across the world. Since then Canada’s reputation as a home to the various cultures has become legendary. Therefore, now, it’s worrisome that when the fabric of Canada is awash in colour and character of different cultures and people the current government is throwing the country back to an age dating back to colonialism.

One can put forth the argument that Canada still has numerous institutions holding the title Royal so why object to Royal Air Force or Royal Navy? There is little objection to keeping the names Royal Canadian Mounted Police or the Royal Ontario Museum to name two familiar institutions in Canada. They represented Canada at a time when its character and population were predominantly Anglo-Saxon and the British Monarchy still held sway over its colonies. As a respect to Canada’s heritage these names need to be cherished and every effort made to preserve them for posterity. But, in respect to including ‘Royal’ today, when people are revolting against dictatorships, single party rule and displaying an aversion to monopoly of power all over the world it is somewhat bewildering that a progressive country like Canada lacks the vision to incorporate a name mindful of the times and its people.

John Baird the Foreign Minister corrected another historic mistake in the Foreign Services Department by taking down two paintings by artist Alfred Pellan, one of the most famous painters of Canada, that have hung on the Foreign Service wall for decades, replacing it with the Queens portrait. The move was more than a matter of taste in art as behind the act of installing the portrait lay the clear underlying message, immigrants or refugees, white, black or brown this Canada was under the British Monarchy and will always remain so.

With the announcement by the Defence Minister we can either shrug our shoulders and carry on with our “Canadian” lives or pause and reflect as to what this means to us as a people who have chosen Canada as a country to live but find little respect for our contributions or sensitivity to our past.

Every year 250,000 immigrants from all over the world make Canada their home. Most of them come from countries that were British or European Colonies and although they remember the fight against colonialism waged by their fore fathers they acknowledge the fact that Canada still holds allegiance to the British Monarchy. This is something they will always find bitter sweet.

As South Asians we need to be deeply aware of our moral and spiritual rights. We do not come as refugees to Canada nor do we beg to be allowed in. We come legally as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs and a vast array of professions seeking an environment to contribute and grow. Once in we abide by the rules of the land by paying taxes, following the rule of law and contributing to the adopted land. We not only enrich the economy but also live in harmony with one another despite our geo-political differences around our birth country. This is a testament to our commitment to our newly adopted country. 

If there is anything that needs to be shaken it is the complacent thought that Canada extends a favor to the world by opening its doors to immigrants. With a dwindling population, an economy based mostly on services it is in Canada’s interest to open its doors to qualified people who will contribute to its growth and eventually sustain its aging population. But, more importantly its Governments should not treat immigrants and ethnic populations as fodder for its economy.

Gone are the days when one major racial group (Caucasian) ruled over the country. One look at the political landscape and one can see elected representatives from various minorities offering various views as to what should be Canada’s direction today and in the future. Bringing back colonial titles is certainly not high up on any progressive elected member’s agenda. By lacking the vision to avoid these titles in this age of active pluralism the Conservative Party has basically sent the message to the minorities and ethnicities that voted it in – ‘thank you for your votes but Canada will always retain its tie to its colonial roots and we will make sure it stays that way. ‘

The reason attributed in invoking the Royal title and reinstating the Queen’s portrait is said to be a preservation of tradition. If one were to judge Canada by its history and achievement this reasoning of tradition is nothing but an exercise in redundancy – Canada’s traditions run deep and strong in more ways than pinning its Armed Forces with a colonial-times title. 

Canadians have a deep well of achievement that they can dip into anytime in order to feel proud and patriotic. Opening one’s doors to the people of the world and making every effort to make them feel at home and help them better their lives is one of the signature jewels of Canada’s crown of success and a tradition worth cherishing. Despite the wars on the various continents the fact that people live in such relative peace and harmony is an achievement that can only be attributed to Canada’s richness of character, sense of justice and strength of its institutions. While Europe struggles with its debt-ridden economies Canada stands tall, having largely weathered the economic storm. When the United States embarked on its Iraqi adventure and called on Canada to join in Canada stood its ground. Draining on its wisdom and maturity the foolishness of an unreasonable war did not escape its eye. Today, we owe a deep sense of gratitude to the leaders of the time who spared the Canadian Armed Forces the needless bloodshed that has since ensued.

 

As South Asians we are known for traditions. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhists and everything far and in between the South Asian subcontinent is a place rich with traditions that have not only stood the test of time but still pulsate as strongly as before with little sign of decay. We do not look at the Government to tell us of what tradition to keep or reject. As a people we choose to cherish what suits us, our family, our community and our country. The fact that generations have practiced and maintained a certain way of life is testimony to its longevity. 

Governments, therefore, can never be the keeper of traditions. When an institution is unable to stand on its own and is washed away by the sands of time it is time to let it go and let another, nobler and larger institution take its place. Let that institution, invigorated by youth and vision, prove its sense of permanency. If it does not have the strength to adapt to the times and stand against the winds of change it will find it hard to avoid the heap of history.

The Canadian Government’s stand of invoking the Royal title and buttressing everything associated with the British Monarchy goes against the grain of today’s Canada. Canada’s existence did not begin with the arrival of the Colonialist. Long before British boots stepped onto Canadian soil a proud people lived and prospered here. The native Indians though no match for the Queen’s Army never forgot their traditions and still practice it to this day.

Therefore, if today’s Government has a modicum of respect for history they would name the Canadian Armed Forces worthy of the name of a Native American title. If today’s Government has a modicum of respect for posterity they would take note of the plurality calling Canada their home.

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