5th anniversary of the Crown Society of Canada

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Five years ago, on February 2, 2021, the Crown Society of Canada was founded. Established by Thomas Morin-Cabana with the support of a small group of volunteers, the Society was incorporated as a non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting, explaining, and highlighting the role of Canada’s constitutional monarchy within the country’s democratic institutions.

The Mission and Foundations of the Crown Society of Canada

From its earliest days, the organization developed around an educational, civic, and commemorative mission aimed at strengthening public understanding of how the Crown functions in Canada, fostering dialogue with federal and provincial vice-regal authorities, and encouraging civic engagement around Canada’s constitutional traditions. The Crown Society of Canada quickly distinguished itself within the national associative landscape through its roots in Québec and its initial development in the French language—an important distinction in Québec’s sociopolitical context. It thus became the only Canada-wide organization originating in Québec dedicated to promoting the constitutional monarchy, while also establishing itself as the largest national association active in both official languages, ensuring genuine accessibility for both francophone and anglophone communities.

During its early years, the Society put in place its governance structures, defined its statutes and strategic orientations, and gradually developed activities on a national scale. It established institutional relationships with several offices of lieutenant governors and civic partners, organized conferences, ceremonies, and educational initiatives, and contributed to the dissemination of public content addressing the history, contemporary role, and evolution of Canada’s constitutional monarchy. All of these activities fall within a broader commitment to remembrance, recognition of civic and military service, and the promotion of Canada’s institutional heritage, positioning the Society as a structured and credible civic actor within the ecosystem of organizations linked to the institutions of the Crown.

Activities and Achievements of the Crown Society of Canada

From its very first year of existence, the Crown Society of Canada achieved significant institutional recognition. In 2021, it was granted official vice-regal patronage by the Honourable Michel Doyon, 29th Lieutenant Governor of Québec. This patronage, which is rare for a newly created civic association, provided the Society with enhanced institutional legitimacy and strengthened its credibility among governmental, civic, and protocol circles.

In the spring of 2021, in the context of the funeral of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the Crown Society of Canada gained national media visibility for the first time. Its founder was invited by ICI Radio-Canada to participate in the media coverage of the event as an analyst and commentator, contributing to the contextualization of the ceremonies, the explanation of monarchical traditions, and the analysis of their institutional significance for Canada. This period marked the Society’s lasting entry into the Canadian and Québec media landscape.

At the same time, the organization experienced notable territorial growth. In 2021, it established its largest local branch in the city of Québec—a particularly significant development given the region’s historical and political context. This success was driven by an approach focused on member service and the offering of structured, inclusive educational and commemorative activities.

During the same period, the Society provided organizational and strategic support to several partner institutions and organizations, including St. John Ambulance and the Order of St. George. This support took the form of designing commemorative programs, assisting with the organization of official ceremonies, and facilitating the establishment of formal dialogue with vice-regal authorities. These collaborations helped firmly establish the Society as a useful and recognized civic actor within the institutional network linked to the Crown in Canada.

At the end of 2021, the Crown Society of Canada became the first Canadian civic association to welcome, within a non-partisan framework respectful of neutrality requirements, aides-de-camp and members of vice-regal household staff wishing to join an associative organization. This initiative aimed to provide a space for networking, reflection, and professional exchange for individuals working at the heart of vice-regal institutions, while respecting the discretion inherent in their functions.

Beginning in 2022, the Society ensured regular coverage of royal and vice-regal events on ICI Radio-Canada and other national media outlets. This sustained media presence helped enhance the organization’s public visibility and increase access to information about Canada’s constitutional monarchy for francophone audiences.

That same year, the Society carried out educational activities internationally, notably through an official presence in London during the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This participation enabled the Society to contribute to media and institutional exchanges concerning the historical and constitutional ties between Canada and the Crown.

In September 2022, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Crown Society of Canada found itself at the center of the most extensive period of public awareness and education related to a monarchical event in the country’s contemporary history. It actively participated in national and international media coverage, including a presence in London during the state funeral, and contributed to the analysis and dissemination of information regarding the historical, constitutional, and symbolic significance of these events for Canada and the Commonwealth.

In 2023, the Society continued its educational and media role during the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. This period also coincided with the consolidation of its institutional network, marked by the membership of a significant number of aides-de-camp to lieutenant governors from several provinces, thereby reinforcing the organization’s inclusive and pan-Canadian character.

That same year, the Crown Society of Canada created its own special commemorative medal as a symbolic action to embrace the new monarchical era while recognizing the actions and legacy of our previous monarch, whose remarkable reign left a lasting mark on history. This medal is awarded to Canadians who have accomplished exceptional achievements in service to their country. These deserving individuals embody values or have undertaken initiatives aligned with those upheld by the late Queen Elizabeth II during her reign, as well as those of His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada. Nearly 50 recipients have been honored, including the outgoing Lieutenant Governor of Québec, the Honourable Michel Doyon; the Usher of the Black Rod of Canada, Mr. Greg Peters; and the outgoing Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

In 2024, upon the departure of the Honourable Michel Doyon from his duties as Lieutenant Governor of Québec, the Crown Society of Canada launched a national recognition program dedicated to outgoing vice-regal members. This program aims to highlight the commitment and public service of lieutenant governors at the conclusion of their mandates through the organization of celebrations and commemorative events. The initiative was renewed in 2025 for the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, outgoing Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and announced for 2026 in British Columbia in honor of the Honourable Janet Austin, confirming its lasting place within the organization’s national activities.

At the same time, the Society began enhanced collaboration with federal institutions, offering its expertise in the context of celebrations marking the anniversary of the Canadian flag, as well as supporting federal parliamentarians in the creation and promotion of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

In 2025, the Crown Society of Canada supported awareness and educational efforts surrounding the official visit of His Majesty King Charles III to Canada, marking the opening of the 44th Legislature of the Parliament of Canada, as well as the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh during Canada Day celebrations.

During this period, the Society also organized several ceremonies across the country to present honorary distinctions recognizing citizens who have distinguished themselves through civic, community, humanitarian, or institutional engagement. These activities fully align with the Society’s mission to promote public service, remembrance, and civic contribution to Canadian society.

A Society Looking Toward the Future

After five years of hard work, the Society is more motivated than ever to continue its efforts for the benefit of its members and the Canadian population as a whole. Whether through networking events, media coverage, or education on the values of the monarchy, this work remains a duty of the Society.

The members of the Grand Council of the Crown Society of Canada salute your commitment and thank you for being part of this journey. Continue to follow us on our platforms and take part in our events. It is together that we will be stronger and more visible in pursuing our mission.