What else does the Sovereign head, linking Canada with many other countries?
- La Francophonie
- NATO
- The Commonwealth of Nations
- The United Nations
Answer: The Commonwealth of Nations
As Head of the Commonwealth, the Sovereign links Canada to 55 other member countries that cooperate to advance social, economic and cultural progress (the Commonwealth has 56 members; Discover Canada says 53 others). The Commonwealth grew out of the British Empire after the First World War.
Learn more: Constitutional monarchy
- Head of State: the Sovereign, King Charles III.
- Head of Government: the Prime Minister, who actually directs the governing of the country. Canada clearly separates the two roles.
- The Sovereign plays an important, non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance, most visibly during royal visits.
- The Sovereign is a symbol of Canadian sovereignty, a guardian of constitutional freedoms and a reflection of our history.
- As Head of the Commonwealth, the Sovereign links Canada to 55 other member countries that cooperate for social, economic and cultural progress.
- Other constitutional monarchies include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Japan, Jordan and Morocco.
- The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada and is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years.
- The Governor General grants royal assent to bills on behalf of the Sovereign.