LETTER – Canada should have its own national pledge to our nation

Regarding the oath of allegiance to the crown.

My view is that a personal oath to anyone is anachronistic and wrong. We should be swearing allegiance to our own country versus a foriegn aristocrat. While I appreciate the concept of “crown” means the public interest generally, I can understand why so many people view this as strange and out of place.

Many people come to Canada from autocratic nations where personal oaths are expected. This is not something they would expect from a modern democracy. Australia is part of the commonwealth but their oath of allegiance is a model of simplicity, clarity and inspiration:

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and. whose laws I will uphold and obey.

When one becomes a citizen, the words “From this day forward” are added to this oath.

My view is that Canada should create a national pledge to our nation along lines similar to Australia. People could have the option of swearing the new oath or the old oath when they become Canadian. I know which one they would overwhelmingly pick.

JOHN O’FEE