Canadian MPs chanted “God Save the King” after rejecting a bill that would have made swearing in King Charles optional.
The bill, voted against by a cross-party group of MPs, would have allowed parliamentarians not to swear allegiance to the king.
This vote marks a victory for monarchists eager to maintain the relevance of the Crown in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office and most MPs voted against the private member’s bill.
Justin Trudeau is the Prime Minister of Canada
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However, the Bloc Québécois and many NDP MPs voted in favor of a law that would have reduced Charles’ role in Parliament.
The final result was 113 votes to 197, meaning Canada’s Constitution will remain as it was originally written.
Article 128 requires each new parliamentarian to swear that he or she will be “faithful and bear true allegiance” to the reigning monarch.
Under the Canadian Constitution, an MP cannot legally assume their seat until they have taken the oath of office.
Under the Canadian Constitution, an MP cannot legally assume their seat until they have taken the oath of office.
Radio-Canada
Bill C-347, introduced by New Brunswick Liberal MP René Arseneault, would have allowed MPs and senators to take the “oath of office”.
The simplified oath would have instead said: “In the best interest of Canada while respecting its Constitution.”
The defeat of the bill was greeted with loud applause from monarchist MPs who spontaneously began singing God Save the King.
Speaker Greg Fergus shouted “order” as MPs ignored his calls for calm in the chamber.
Speaker Greg Fergus shouted “order” as MPs ignored his calls for calm in the chamber.
Radio-Canada News
King Charles and Princess Diana visited Canada in 1991
PENNSYLVANIA
Meanwhile, Canada’s Republicans welcomed the bill as they viewed the monarchy as an outdated institution.
Pierre Vincent of Citizens for a Canadian Republic told CBC News that Arseneault’s bill would remove an oath that violates freedom of expression.
Polls suggest Canada is divided on whether to cut ties with the monarchy, with 56 percent of people voting against the institution last year.
However, Prime Minister Trudeau said there was no desire to wage a constitutional battle against King Charles.
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