Yukon
Member
You are obviously quite ill informed with respect to Canadian Parliamentary democracy. I suggest you take a course in Canadian Society 101.
What are you talking about?
The Queen has ULTIMATE power. When the Queen is not in Canada, her representative - the Governor-General - holds all the cards.
Parliament cannot be dissolved without the Queen or GG's say-so. Bills cannot be made into law without the Queen or GG's say-so. Essentially, our government cannot function if the Queen or GG doesn't say so.
The most democratic systems in the world are parliamentary monarchies. There is utility in a monarch. The British Commonwealth is united by a common recognizance of the Queen as each member's Head of State. The Commonwealth fosters brotherly ties and good relations with the 50-some odd countries (if I'm not mistaken) in the Commonwealth.
The monarchy acts as the police of our government, disallowing gigantic abuses of power. It doesn't have a party affiliation and is completely neutral. There is a damn lot of utility in the monarchy.
While I agree that the display of wealth and opulence inherited only through blood is crass and antiquated, the monarchy is a very important figurehead as well.
Personally, I think we can have the best of both worlds by simply electing a common Head of State for all Commonwealth countries. Someone neutral, not affiliated with any party, moderate, has good principles, education, and someone who can be trusted with the policing of our government.
Essentially give the same powers to someone who is elected on their merits, but take away the wealth and opulence of the monarchy.