Royal. What’s in a Name?

In 1968 the Royal designation was removed from the navy and air force when the branches were renamed and brought under one central command named the Canadian Armed Forces. The Conservative government has reversed this decision and returned the traditional designation of “Royal” to the Canadian Navy and Air Force.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay said Tuesday his government has corrected a historic mistake by restoring the “royal” designation to the air force and navy, a move he says will come at a minimal cost.

“Our Conservative government believes that an important element of the Canadian military heritage was lost when these three former services were required to relinquish their historic titles,” MacKay said. “Today, I am honoured to announce that the three elements of the Canadian Forces will have their historic names restored.”

Veterans and those in military circles laud the decision in restoring our connection to the Commonwealth and celebrating our rich military heritage.
This decision however has also rendered criticism from those who claim that it is waste of money and a return our colonial past.

McKay also rejected the criticism that the government’s decision signals closer ties with the British monarchy and diminishes Canada’s sovereignty. MacKay said Canada’s ties to the Crown “are very real,” particularly when it comes to the Canadian Forces, and that those links have “no impact whatsoever” on operational matters and sovereign decisions.

“I believe that this is consistent, I believe that this is about continuity, it’s about respect for our past,” he said, “And I believe that this is something that the majority of Canadians will embrace.”