One Liberal and Several NDP MPs Vote ‘Yes’ on Bloc Motion to Sever Monarchy Ties

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet speaks with reporters following the defeat of a motion on ties to the monarchy, in Ottawa on Oct. 26, 2022. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

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.”

Liberal MP for Louis-Hebert Joël Lightbound speaks during a news conference in Ottawa on Feb. 8, 2022. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press

“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’

Members of the Liberal cabinet criticized Blanchet’s statements, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying Quebec residents are concerned about inflation and the cost of living right now, but not the 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.”

Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez said Blanchet’s admission of insincerity with the oath raises other questions.

“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.”