Canadians Oppose Monarchy More Than Ever

For immediate release

Poll: Monarchy unpopular as ever, despite royal wedding PR

Toronto, May 18, 2012 – Less than one year after opinion polls  declared that 81 percent of Canadians believed "Prince William  and Catherine will help keep monarchy relevant to Canadians,"  a new poll indicates what republicans knew all along: the love affair  was with the glitz and glamour, not the institution. Released on May 3, the poll shows personal approval ratings for  the royal newlyweds remaining high. However, as expected,  only 33 percent have any interest in Canada remaining a monarchy. "Clearly, Canadians see the distinction," says Tom Freda, spokesperson  for Citizens for a Canadian Republic. "There's no denying the A-list  celebrity attraction of the young royal couple. On the other hand, Canadians  see that as a separate issue from the constitutional aspect of the  institution of the monarchy." The republican movement was equally reassured by data indicating  an overwhelming preference for Prince William over his father. A mere  17 percent of Canadians approve of Prince Charles succeeding the Queen. "Of course, anyone with even rudimentary knowledge of how monarchy  works, fully understands that personal preference and choice are  democratic and republican principles, not monarchical," points out Freda.  "This poll proves that Canadians are inherently committed to the idea of  choosing a head of state over having an unpopular foreign royal imposed on us. During the upcoming visit by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of  Cornwall, representatives of Citizens for a Canadian Republic will be  available to provide information on how Canada can easily become a republic  without compromising its parliamentary traditions, royal institutions, or  even the role of "The Crown" as the legal representation of  governance. Angus Reid opinion poll May 3, 2012 http://www.canadian-republic.ca/media_release_05-18-12.html