Despite its historically significant role as Canada's form of government, the monarchy has not been without controversy in Canada, especially since the 1960s. From a symbol of national unity, its image changed to one of minority oppression and general redundancy in today's modern world. This concerns both the monarchical system as such and individual personalities of the Royal Family. Charles III, in particular, cannot match the popularity of his late mother, Elizabeth II. The Canadians' reservations about the Queen Consort Camilla, who will not be accepted as the Queen of the Canadians, are just as great, according to the latest surveys. Approval ratings for the heirs to the throne, William and Catherine, are higher, but not high enough to make the problem go away. This unease is so great that now a majority of the population would welcome the opening of a constitutional amendment process to bring about the transition to a republic. Experts warn, however, that this constitutionally complex step would pose numerous risks to the federal-provincial relationship in Canada. Also, previous constitutional amendment processes have already failed spectacularly, and other constitutional problems currently appear more urgent than conversion to a republic. Apart from that, the republican movement exists in Canada, but it is nowhere near as strong as in the other British dominions of Australia and New Zealand. Above all, it lacks a vision in Canada that would be able to convincingly convey the added value of a republic over a monarchy. The latter is extremely present in everyday life through royal tours, portraits in public buildings, heraldry on official documents, and name components of offices and authorities. How the extremely diverse Canadian society could be shaped without a monarchy in a republic for the benefit of all therefore remains open at present, which ultimately means that republicanism will lead nowhere in our time, political commentators are convinced. They consider this question still open even if in a few years the present Prince of Wales ascends the throne. Thus, despite loud grumblings about their monarchy, Canadians are likely to come to terms with it again in the near and medium future.
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