OTAWA – Most people in Canada do not believe that people should swear allegiance to the Queen, according to a poll in view of Canada Day.
A Leger poll by the Canadian Studies Association found that 56 percent of those polled disagreed with the Queen’s oath of allegiance.
Young Canadians must swear allegiance to the monarchy in citizenship ceremonies, including the promise “to be faithful and to have true faith in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors.”
Jack Jedwab, president of the Association of Canadian Studies, said most Canadian-born people probably were unaware that young Canadians had to swear allegiance to the royal family.
“If you ask Canadians about their identities, few will mention the monarchy,” he said.
The poll of 2,118 people earlier this month could not be given a margin of error because online panels are not considered really random samples.
While 58 percent of respondents are positive about the Queen, with only 28 percent negative, Canadians are evenly divided – 40 percent positive and 40 percent negative – in their view of the monarchy as a whole.
The poll asked if, “as a Canadian, we should all agree to be faithful and bring true faith” to the Queen and her heirs.
Those who were very favorable to the monarchy were more likely to approve of the pledge of allegiance.
60 percent of men and 52 percent of women surveyed said no.  The contrast was stronger among Canadians aged 18-34 than Canadians over 55.
Nearly three-quarters of people living in Quebec opposed the oath, compared with only 47 percent in Alberta.
A large percentage of respondents – including 20 percent of women – said they had no opinion or did not want to answer.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy, with the queen as head of state.  It is federally represented by Governor Mary Simon and at the provincial level by the Deputy Governors.
Any change in the position of the Queen or her representatives in Canada would require the unanimous consent of the House of Commons, the Senate and the provincial legislatures.
Obtaining a citizenship oath is the last step in becoming a Canadian citizen.  Ceremonies are held across the country, with special ceremonies on Canada Day.
Young Canadians must also promise to abide by the laws of Canada.
Earlier this month, the queen celebrated her platinum jubilee with celebrations in Canada, the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.  He ascended the throne at the age of 27 in 1952 and is the longest-serving monarch of England.