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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: The quiet dignity of stable government
As Canada basks in the afterglow of a flying Royal visit, now's a good time to assess the merits of the constitutional monarchy. The colourful pomp and ceremony that accompanied the opening of Parliament and the speech from the throne underscored that, as Canadians, we change governments with quiet dignity. The ancient rituals, though, remind us of the sometimes difficult path which has led us to a stable and democratic country. Even before King Charles III delivered the throne speech, the newly elected Speaker of the House of Commons was dragged to his chair. This symbolizes a time when the Speaker reported to the King — and was occasionally executed for delivering bad news. Journalists always sit behind the Speaker so he can't influence their reporting. The doors to the House of Commons are slammed before the Usher of the Black Rod can lead MPs to the Senate for the King's speech. Parliamentary theatre, sure. But an important reminder that our rights and privileges aren't a given. Sometimes you have to fight for them. The visit by Charles and Queen Camilla made news around the world. It served to emphasize this country's strong connections to the U.K. and other nations of the Commonwealth, an organization of two billion people worldwide, of which we are a senior member. Importantly, it sent a message to our neighbours to the south that we don't bow to threats. President Donald Trump's petulant response was to post that we can have access to his 'Golden Dome' for $61 billion — or for free as a U.S. state. Thanks, but no. In an 1865 speech to Parliament, Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, outlined the need for a strong Canada. Of the U.S., he said, '… the president, during his term of office, is in great measure a despot, a one-man power, with the command of the naval and military forces, with a large amount of patronage … and with veto power … perfectly uncontrolled by responsible advisers.' Canada, meanwhile, has the stability of a constitutional monarchy, where the king is head of state and the prime minister is head of government. That fine balance served us well last week and sent a message that Canada is strong and resilient. And it's not alone in the world.
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
EDITORIAL: The quiet dignity of stable government
Britain's King Charles III delivers the Speech from the Throne next to Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney during the opening the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada at the Senate of Canada in Ottawa on May 27, 2025. Photo by BLAIR GABLE / POOL/AFP via Getty Images As Canada basks in the afterglow of a flying Royal visit, now's a good time to assess the merits of the constitutional monarchy. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The colourful pomp and ceremony that accompanied the opening of Parliament and the speech from the throne underscored that, as Canadians, we change governments with quiet dignity. The ancient rituals, though, remind us of the sometimes difficult path which has led us to a stable and democratic country. Even before King Charles III delivered the throne speech, the newly elected Speaker of the House of Commons was dragged to his chair. This symbolizes a time when the Speaker reported to the King — and was occasionally executed for delivering bad news. Journalists always sit behind the Speaker so he can't influence their reporting. The doors to the House of Commons are slammed before the Usher of the Black Rod can lead MPs to the Senate for the King's speech. Parliamentary theatre, sure. But an important reminder that our rights and privileges aren't a given. Sometimes you have to fight for them. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The visit by Charles and Queen Camilla made news around the world. It served to emphasize this country's strong connections to the U.K. and other nations of the Commonwealth, an organization of two billion people worldwide, of which we are a senior member. Importantly, it sent a message to our neighbours to the south that we don't bow to threats. President Donald Trump's petulant response was to post that we can have access to his 'Golden Dome' for $61 billion — or for free as a U.S. state. Thanks, but no. In an 1865 speech to Parliament, Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, outlined the need for a strong Canada. Of the U.S., he said, '… the president, during his term of office, is in great measure a despot, a one-man power, with the command of the naval and military forces, with a large amount of patronage … and with veto power … perfectly uncontrolled by responsible advisers.' Canada, meanwhile, has the stability of a constitutional monarchy, where the king is head of state and the prime minister is head of government. That fine balance served us well last week and sent a message that Canada is strong and resilient. And it's not alone in the world. Editorial Cartoons Sports Canada Toronto & GTA Columnists
Toronto Star
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
How King Charles played the role of Canada's superhero against supervillain Donald Trump
King Charles looked and sounded like he was reading Canada a comforting bedtime story. In many ways, that's exactly what he did on Tuesday. His Majesty was in Ottawa to deliver the Speech From the Throne. Normally, the start of a new session of Parliament is about as scintillating as an instalment of 'Canada Vignettes.' This year is different. Canadians are on edge. Threats of annexation. Idiotic tariffs. American betrayal. So give the King high marks for calming us down with lines such as, 'The True North is indeed strong and free.' The rapturous applause that followed felt cathartic. It's what we needed to hear. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW I hope Donald Trump was watching, even if the political protocols and breaches of royal etiquette would baffle him more than a telenovela without subtitles: Why is the Usher of the Black Rod summoning MPs by banging on wooden doors with the tip of an ornate staff that looks like it came from Hogwarts? Did Margaret Trudeau just greet the King with air kisses on both cheeks? Why is former Governor General Michaëlle Jean dragging the King across the Senate floor by his hand like he's a toddler lost inside Dairy Queen? Here's what Trump will understand: King Charles stands on guard for Canada. King Charles III said Canada is facing unprecedented challenges in a world that's never been more dangerous as he opened the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday with a speech widely viewed as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by U.S. President Donald Trump. (AP Video / May 27, 2025) With the exception of the preamble, the speech was written by the PMO. No matter. The King delivered every word with a subtle passion he usually reserves for red squirrels. PM Mark Carney sat to his right, looking chuffed throughout. Queen Camilla was perched on a throne to his left. She glanced around, probably wondering why nobody else was wearing a hat. But the elephant in the Red Chamber was Donald Trump. 'Today, Canada faces another critical moment,' said King Charles. 'Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear — and ones which the government is determined to protect.' If not fighting words, those were words of conviction. Trump admires the Royal Family. He idolizes King Charles because he wants to be a king. It's why the White House is tricked out as a castle, one that reflects his tacky and vulgar tastes. Can we stick more gold leaf around my mug shot? Trump shrugged when Justin Trudeau balked at becoming governor of the '51st state' because he despised our former PM. He won't shrug after King Charles delivers a forceful message about Canadian sovereignty. He'll think twice about running his yap about merging with Canada if there's any chance such blather might jeopardize his next state visit to the U.K. Before King Charles entered the antechamber — it's a miracle he didn't tip over given the number of medals pinned to his chest — the look in his eyes said, 'I got this, Canada.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW That look returned when he spoke of fundamental change as both unsettling and an opportunity for renewal: 'A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.' The pointed subtext for Trump: Canada gonna Canada with or without America. King Charles delivered the government's speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa, reminding Canadians they have much to be proud of while acknowledging the anxieties and difficult issues facing the world. Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the King to read the speech in a symbolic gesture as Canada reasserts its sovereignty. (May 27, 2025 / The Canadian Press) In crossing the pond to be the wingman for Ottawa, King Charles cast himself as a superhero ready to rumble with that supervillain in the red hat. Many Canadians are ambivalent toward the monarchy. Many favour a conscious uncoupling. But Tuesday was proof we need to strengthen our Commonwealth ties so long as a Mad King in Washington keeps making noises about metabolizing our national identity to satisfy his delusional quest for empire. We've already thrown in with the Brits, lad. Carry on. After Tuesday's speech, I bet other Trump targets now have Clarence House on speed dial to see if the Firm can intervene on their behalf. You don't think Greenland would love to have the King talk about how it is not for sale? You don't think Harvard is begging for a King Charles cameo during frosh week? This was only the third time our head of state delivered the Speech From the Throne. It was a momentous occasion, which is why Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau sat together and refrained from any eye-poking. It was Charles's 20th trip to Canada over a quarter-century. Given his health concerns, I got choked up when he said: 'Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and to my heart.' It did not feel exogenous or like boilerplate. It felt beautifully sincere. Thank you, King Charles, for the reminder: Canada is not alone. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
Calgary Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
The wacky ceremony that Canada had to complete before letting the King speak
Article content Before any MP could begin the business of the 45th Parliament — and before King Charles III could even begin the Speech from the Throne — Canadian officialdom had to first participate in one of the country's most obscure and ancient displays of governmental pageantry. Article content It involved swords, bicorne hats, a figure by the name of Black Rod and the ceremonial slamming of a door in his face. Article content Article content The ritual is rooted in traditions that long predate European settlement in the Americas, and is so old that some of the precise origins of the practice are not known. Article content Article content However, the general gist of the ceremony is to assert the independence of the people from the King: A figure glittering in the various trappings of the Crown shows up at the door of the House of Commons, and Canada's elected representatives make a show of not immediately doing what he asks. Article content Tuesday's opening of Parliament began with Canada's new MPs gathering patiently in the House of Commons chamber to await the arrival of the Usher of the Black Rod, a figure often referred to simply as 'Black Rod.' Article content The position, currently held by retired Mountie J. Greg Peters, is actually one of the oldest government jobs in Canada. The Usher of the Black Rod position has been occupied continuously since 1791, when it was created to serve the Legislative Council of Lower Canada. Article content Article content As a result, Black Rod has some of the best regalia in the Canadian civil service. His uniform includes a bicorne hat, a white bowtie, heavy silver chain and the black rod itself. Carved from ebony, it's a throwback to the 1300s when the possession of such a rare piece of hardwood was an assertion of power and influence. Article content The Usher of the Black Rod is also one of the few non-military posts in Canada where the holder is issued with a sword. In March, Peters picked up the current iteration of the sword from King Charles III himself. He was handed the weapon in a brief ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Article content Article content As Black Rod approached the door of the House of Commons on Tuesday, it was closed before he could enter, prompting him to rap three times on the door with his eponymous rod.
National Post
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
The wacky ceremony that Canada had to complete before letting the King speak
Before any MP could begin the business of the 45th Parliament — and before King Charles III could even begin the Speech from the Throne — Canadian officialdom had to first participate in one of the country's most obscure and ancient displays of governmental pageantry. Article content It involved swords, bicorne hats, a figure by the name of Black Rod and the ceremonial slamming of a door in his face. Article content Article content The ritual is rooted in traditions that long predate European settlement in the Americas, and is so old that some of the precise origins of the practice are not known. Article content Article content However, the general gist of the ceremony is to assert the independence of the people from the King: A figure glittering in the various trappings of the Crown shows up at the door of the House of Commons, and Canada's elected representatives make a show of not immediately doing what he asks. Article content Tuesday's opening of Parliament began with Canada's new MPs gathering patiently in the House of Commons chamber to await the arrival of the Usher of the Black Rod, a figure often referred to simply as 'Black Rod.' The position, currently held by retired Mountie J. Greg Peters, is actually one of the oldest government jobs in Canada. The Usher of the Black Rod position has been occupied continuously since 1791, when it was created to serve the Legislative Council of Lower Canada. Article content As a result, Black Rod has some of the best regalia in the Canadian civil service. His uniform includes a bicorne hat, a white bowtie, heavy silver chain and the black rod itself. Carved from ebony, it's a throwback to the 1300s when the possession of such a rare piece of hardwood was an assertion of power and influence. Article content Article content The Usher of the Black Rod is also one of the few non-military posts in Canada where the holder is issued with a sword. In March, Peters picked up the current iteration of the sword from King Charles III himself. He was handed the weapon in a brief ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Article content Article content Article content As Black Rod approached the door of the House of Commons on Tuesday, it was closed before he could enter, prompting him to rap three times on the door with his eponymous rod. Article content What followed has been described as a 'ceremonial challenge' from the Sergeant at Arms, after which Black Rod invites everyone within to follow him to the Senate for the Speech from the Throne. Article content This particular part of the ceremony is believed to be rooted in a 1642 incident in which the first King Charles stormed into a sitting of Parliament and attempted to arrest five members. Article content After the subsequent English Civil War — and the eventual trial and execution of King Charles I — the result was a Westminster system that was particularly serious about maintaining boundaries between Parliament and the Crown.
