The Canadian Kingdom

An integral part of Canada’s political culture, constitutional monarchy has evolved since Confederation to become a uniquely Canadian institution. How has it shaped twenty-first-century Canada? How have views on the monarchy changed? Eleven experts on the history of Canada’s Crown take up these questions from diverse perspectives.

A northern country whose origins differ sharply from those of its continental neighbours; a constitutional monarchy in a hemisphere of republics; a community evolved from the inevitable conflicts and the no less inevitable partnershp of English- and French-speaking peoples, and constantly enriched in later times by the infusion of other cultures; a modern state grown to sovereignty after centuries of dependence upon Europe, and fully recognizing its interdependence with other states in today's complex world; such is the Kingdom of Canada, whose unique story is here related by a distinguished Canadian scholar.

In A Kingdom of the Mind ethnographers, material culture specialists, and contributors from a wide variety of disciplines explore the impact of the Scots on Canadian life, showing how the Scots' image of their homeland and themselves played an important role in the emerging definition of what it meant to be Canadian.

Twelve authorities on the constitutional monarchy in Canada discuss how this historic institution, inherited from the United Kingdom and shared with fourteen other countries, will change after the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II comes to a close.

More than ever Canada’s constitutional monarchy should be treasured as a distinct asset for the nation. Following Queen Elizabeth II’s historic Diamond Jubilee in 2012, there is renewed interest in the institution of the Crown in Canada and the roles of the queen, governor general, and lieutenant governor. Author D. Michael Jackson traces the story of the monarchy and the Crown and shows how they are integral to Canada’s parliamentary democracy. His book underscores the Crown’s key contribution to the origins, evolution, and successful functioning of Canadian federalism, while the place of the monarchy in francophone Canada and the First Nations receives special attention. Complex issues such as the royal prerogative, constitutional conventions, the office of lieutenant governor, and Canada’s honours system are made readily accessible to the general reader. Jackson examines the option of republican governance for Canada and concludes that responsible government under a constitutional monarchy is far preferable. He further argues that the Crown should be treasured as a distinct asset for Canada.