robertfinch.ca

Category: Monarchy

  • My Farewell Tribute to Mary Simon

    Below is my farewell tribute to Mary Simon that was sent to members of the Monarchist League of Canada:

    Mary Simon’s time as Governor General will soon come to an end. I won’t pretend to predict exactly how history will remember her, but my own reflections are generally positive.

    Her Excellency came into the role during less than ideal circumstances. Canada was still in the throes of Covid, and she was replacing Julie Payette, whose resignation had left the vice-regal office with a serious reputational problem.

    Mme Simon’s lack of proficiency in French, unfortunately and perhaps unfairly, hung like a dark cloud over her mandate. She countered this weakness by focusing on her strengths, especially diplomacy and reconciliation. She excelled in these areas.

    Her Excellency had the unique experience of representing two monarchs. Of course, this in and of itself brought to bear some added and unwanted attention. Nevertheless, she rose to the occasion and represented Canada well during the transition to the new reign.

    I had the opportunity to meet Mme Simon a couple of times. We had brief chats at Rideau Hall. They were pleasant exchanges, and both times I was left with the impression of someone who was kind yet serious and reserved. Last year, of course, she invited members of the League to Rideau Hall to celebrate our 55th anniversary. Unfortunately, she was recovering from illness and wasn’t able to attend herself, although His Excellency Whit Fraser did But I will not forget her generosity in inviting some 100 of our members.

    Like all of us, Mary Simon had her ups and downs and probably has a regret or two. But in the end, she did what she had to do. She steered the vice-regal office through a difficult period and brought back a sense of stability and respect to the role. That’s important. I’m not entirely sure how much Mary Simon enjoyed her time in office; in some ways she appeared to be a “reluctant” vice-regal. But I do know the office of the Governor General and, by extension, the institution of the Canadian Crown is better off having been served by her. And for that, we all may say, thank you, Your Excellency!

  • Reflections on The King’s Throne Speech

    Reflections on The King’s Throne Speech

    If you would have told me six months, even three months ago, that The King would be opening Canada’s Parliament, delivering the throne speech, I wouldn’t have believed you. But the events of the world and the circumstances helped the stars align to make it happen.

    After continuous attacks on our country’s sovereignty by the newly re-elected U.S. president, Canadians – including many Monarchist League members – had been asking, “when is the King going to say something?” Needless to say, His Majesty spoke loud and clear last week.

    I was one of thousands who lined Wellington Street in Ottawa to be a part of history. My daughter Alessa joined me as she, too, wanted to witness this event first-hand. And, hey, it’s always nice to get out of school for a couple of days. On the day of the Speech from the Throne, we parked ourselves near the temporary Senate building. and waited for the morning to unfold. The crowds had built up early and soon you couldn’t move much at all.

    About half an hour before The King and Queen arrived a pair of Canada geese flew overhead. Talk about a perfect metaphor. Shortly thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries arrived. The main event was about to happen.

    The noise of the crowd grew louder as the state landau carrying Canada’s King and Queen, accompanied by his representative the Governor General and her husband, drew closer to the Senate building. Upon exiting the landau, The King was greeted with the Royal Salute and O Canada. The King seemed genuinely moved by the reception he received.

    Inside the Senate chamber, The King delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the 45th Parliament of Canada. Of course, this was only the third time that a reigning monarch personally delivered the throne speech. In my view, the throne speech by King Charles is probably the biggest singular act that a monarch has performed in Canada since Queen Elizabeth II signed the Constitution back in 1982.

    A couple of lines in the throne speech stand out for me. First, The King’s reference to the Crown being a symbol of unity for Canada and saying, “it also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism.” Second, when The King finally mutters the words his fellow Canadians have long been wanting to hear – that “the True North is indeed strong and free!” Take that, Mr. Trump!

    There are certain moments in history that can make or break something or somebody, and I think this particular royal tour, brief as it was, and in some part due to the timing and the Trump factor, helped make King Charles’ position in Canada secure and for that I’m very grateful.

    In the end, I am confident that the Maple Crown today is strong and enjoying a resurgence in both interest and support. I saw and heard the crowds in Ottawa last week. There is no one besides The King – our head of state – who can bring together such a large and diverse crowd. People of all ages. Various ethnic backgrounds. English and French speaking. Newcomers and those who have been here for generations. Indigenous and non-indigenous. Different social-economic backgrounds. Liberals and Conservatives and New Democrats and Greens. We were all different yet united. We were there to see our King! You’re darn right the Crown is a symbol for Canadian unity!

    We will look back at last week’s events 25, 50, 75 years from now and say to ourselves that that was a pivotal moment in the history of Canada. Alessa and I were happy to be a part of it.