Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet speaks during the federal election English-language Leaders debate in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada on September 9, 2021. (Photo by JUSTIN TANG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
A Liberal MP and several NDP MPs on Oct. 26 voted in favour of a Bloc Québécois motion demanding that Canada sever its ties with the British monarchy.
The motion was defeated 266–44 in the House of Commons on Oct. 26, but garnered the support of Liberal MP Joël Lightbound, 10 NDP MPs, one Green Party MP, and one Independent MP.
Sponsored by Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet, the motion read, “Given that, Canada is a democratic state, [and] this House believes in the principle of equality for all, the House express its desire to sever ties between the Canadian State and the British monarchy.”
Blanchet stated during question period in the House on Oct. 25 that his oath of allegiance—which all MPs make to the monarchy upon taking office—was insincere and made “under compulsion.”
“It was a forced oath,” he said, adding, “My heart wasn’t in it. It meant nothing.”
“My only allegiance is to the people of Quebec and the Quebec nation.”
‘Constitutional Monarchy’
“The Bloc Québécois—surprise, surprise—wants to open up the Constitution,” Trudeau said. “That’s not what Quebecers and Canadians are concerned about these days.”
“I wonder, if his oath was insincere, how many other times he’s been insincere in this place,” Rodriguez said.
Reporters asked Conservative MPs after Wednesday’s question period if they believed the oath of allegiance to the British Crown should remain mandatory for MPs.
“We’re a constitutional monarchy,” said Conservative MP John Brassard. “That’s the way it is.”
Conservative MP John Williamson said it’s “absurd” that Bloc MPs don’t hold allegiance to the Crown yet still accept their seats in the House of Commons upon election.
“If they had any principles, they would win elections and do what they’ve done in other parliaments and refuse to take their seats,” he said.
“They want the best of both worlds. They want to press their case in a federal parliament and then try to tear it down.”
