President Donald Trump has declared economic warfare on Canada and is determined to destroy this country through punishing tariffs and turning it into some kind of vassal state under U.S. control.
This comes at a time when we have no functioning federal head of government and our most populous province is in the midst of an election.
Under normal circumstances, this would be a good time for a visit from our head of state, King Charles.
The monarchy uses its soft power wisely. They don’t make overt political statements, but their very presence sends a strong message.
A royal tour, with either Charles or his son, William, Prince of Wales, making an extensive visit to all parts of their realm, including the Arctic, would send a strong message to Trump: We are a sovereign nation with a proud history. We are a constitutional monarchy, not a republic. Constitutional monarchies are a stable form of government; republics are not.
Such a tour can’t happen right now (a) because this country has no de facto leader. Federally we’re in turmoil. Our lame-duck prime minister is on a farewell tour through Europe and there’s a tediously long Liberal leadership coronation taking place to choose our next PM. There’s also an election happening in our most populous province.
Also (b) royals rarely visit in times of political turmoil, for fear of being drawn into partisan spats. And (c) Charles needs an invitation, and there’s no indication one has been sent.
In a recent TV interview in the U.K., Robert Hazell, a professor of government and the constitution at University College London, said the Canadian government may end up pleading with Charles to intervene with Trump. Speaking to Andrew Marr on LBC, Hazell said such an intervention would have to be made cautiously.
He added, “It’s conceivable the Canadian government may plead with him, because it’s known Trump is very impressed by the Royal Family, to make some kind of intervention.”
It would be useful if Trudeau could persuade other European leaders to make statements of support for Canada. So far, there’s been only a tepid message of concern from the European Union.
We stood by them when they were confronted by bullies in two world wars.
It’s time for them to speak up for Canada now.