I support a Canadian head of state. However, the impetus for change must come from the Canadian people, and right now there is little appetite for wholesale constitutional change.

While I respect the historical role of the monarchy in Canadian history, it is no longer relevant to Canada as a modern nation. We need a made-in-Canada alternative that can defend the institutions of parliamentary democracy – something the monarchy clearly cannot do. I support eventually establishing a Canadian head of state with democratic legitimacy. Constitutional change of this magnitude can only be accomplished after a referendum. It also requires a renewed treaty process with First Nations, to ensure that the move is not unilateral and treaty and Aboriginal rights are not affected.