Over in merry olde England, Prime Minister Cameron (enlightened progressive that he is) has been pushing hard with this idea that princesses with brothers should be allowed to become queen, and that monarchs should be permitted to marry Catholics. Not our problem, right? But ah, here's where you're wrong.

To many individuals and families around the world, Canada is rightfully regarded as a resettlement destination that offers immigrants and new Canadians a range of freedom. Why then, is there a legal obligation for individuals to take a solemn oath of allegiance to faithfully serve the Queen, her heirs and successors in order to gain full access to the democratic protections of Canadian citizenship?

With respect to those who suggest we henceforth do without the British Monarchy, there wouldn't be a Canada without the British Monarchy. This trumps everything as regards this debate. We have real problems in Canada at the moment -- and the British Monarchy isn't one of them.

From the grating, excessive hoopla of the royal wedding to a series of overblown "controversies" about the supposed monarchist drift of the Harper administration, 2011 was the year that proved the Canadian press is still capable of abandoning all journalistic principle whenever royalty makes the headlines.

OTTAWA - Call it the William and Kate effect.Less than four months after the royal couple wowed Canadian crowds on a cross-country tour, their visit m...