The Monarchy in Canada
History, institutions, operation and costs of the Canadian Crown. Browse the 11 slides using the arrows.
Crown Society of Canada
A non-profit organization founded in Quebec City in 2021 to promote Canada's constitutional monarchy. Active across the country, particularly in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.
King Charles III Coronation Medal
Distributor of the Canadian Royal Portrait
Our Mission
King of Canada
Foundations of the Monarchy in Canada
Constitutional Monarchy
Since Confederation in 1867, Canada has been a constitutional monarchy. The King is Head of State, represented federally by the Governor General and in each province by a Lieutenant Governor.
Constitutional Role
All federal and provincial laws receive Royal Assent. The government is formally known as “His Majesty's Government.”
His Majesty King Charles III
Succeeding his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles III has been King of Canada since September 2022.
Commonwealth of Nations
Canada is an active member of the Commonwealth. Canadians do not pay for the upkeep of royal residences located outside Canada.
Cost of the Monarchy in Canada
2022-2023
per year
federal
the provinces
Office of the Governor General — $33.9M
Governor General salary ~ $350,000/year, staff and residences, including Rideau Hall and the Citadelle of Quebec.
Offices of the Lieutenant Governors — $12.7M
Approximate salary ~ $170,000/year, plus the operating costs of provincial offices.
| Province | Approx. Budget | Cost/Capita | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Edward Island | ~490 000 $ | 3,35 $ | Highest per capita |
| Nova Scotia | ~981 320 $ | 0,95 $ | Higher vice-regal expenditures |
| New Brunswick | ~700 000 $ | 0,88 $ | Bilingual province |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | ~450 000 $ | 0,85 $ | Atlantic province |
| Saskatchewan | ~920 000 $ | 0,78 $ | Prairie province |
| Manitoba | ~900 000 $ | 0,64 $ | Central province |
| British Columbia | ~1 400 000 $ | 0,58 $ | 3rd most populous |
| Ontario | ~2 800 000 $ | 0,18 $ | Most populous province |
| Alberta | ~620 000 $ | 0,14 $ | Lower expenditures |
| Quebec | ~1 302 572 $ | 0,09 $ | Lowest per capita |
Cost per Capita — Provincial Comparison
Quebec shows the lowest per-capita cost among the figures presented.
Context: The Value of the Crown
Comparison of public-institution costs — dollars per Canadian, per year.
Replacing the Monarchy With a Republic: The Same Functions Still Need to Be Filled
Abolishing the monarchy does not eliminate the office of Head of State. Another mechanism must therefore be created to carry out constitutional and ceremonial responsibilities.
The King / Governor General
A ceremonial, symbolic and constitutional role distinct from the day-to-day exercise of political power.
The Prime Minister
Exercises day-to-day political power and remains accountable to the House of Commons.
A Sovereign Who Is Non-Partisan by Nature
The current presentation emphasizes the structural neutrality of a hereditary monarch: the Sovereign belongs to no political party, runs no election campaign and has no electorate to satisfy.
Concrete Examples: Republics and the Office of Head of State
🇧🇧 Barbados — 2021 Transition
Governor General Dame Sandra Mason — salary BBD 232,047 — residence: State House.
President Dame Sandra Mason — salary BBD 232,047 — residence: State House.
🇩🇪 Germany and 🇦🇹 Austria
These republics have a Head of State distinct from the Head of Government. In Germany, the Federal President is elected indirectly by a Federal Convention rather than by universal suffrage.
Budget presented: €44.98M
Budget presented: €47.09M
Origins of the Monarchy in Canada
Since 1534 — nearly five centuries of monarchical continuity in the history of the Canadian territory.
Why Monarchy in Canada?
A Deliberate Founding Choice
In 1867, the Fathers of Confederation chose constitutional monarchy rather than the American republican model, favouring stability and continuity.
A Non-Partisan Arbiter
The office of Sovereign is distinct from electoral competition and the partisan interests of the government of the day.
Guardian of Responsible Government
The Crown is integrated into the principle that the government remains responsible to the elected Parliament.
Continuity and Stability
The continuity of the Crown does not depend on electoral cycles or changes of government.
Canadian Identity and Heritage
The Crown is present in laws, the Armed Forces, the RCMP, the justice system and many of the country's symbols and institutions.
An Effective and Recognized Monarchy
The current presentation notes that several constitutional monarchies regularly rank among stable and well-governed democracies.
Can the Monarchy Be Abolished in Canada?
Unanimity Formula — Section 41 of the Constitution Act, 1982
Join Us!
Become a member of the Crown Society of Canada and take an active part in a bilingual national community.