With elections looming on the horizon, candidacy races are heating up. Politics is often discussed among friends and colleagues and with that is the discussion of which candidate will best represent our community’s needs and our individual values. There seems to be a general sense that those who are elected are required to represent their constituents, uphold the Charter, and will be held accountable for their actions. Is this really the case?
The foundation of the binding responsibilities of elected officials in Canada lies in their oath of office. Please read these carefully.
In Ontario, elected officials are required to take two oaths; the Oath or Affirmation of Office and the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance.
Oath or Affirmation of Office
Swear
I,
Name of Public Servant (First and Last Name)
swear that I will faithfully discharge my duties as a public servant; I will respect the laws of Canada and Ontario, including the recognition and affirmation of the aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples in the Constitution; and, except as I may be legally authorized or required, I will not disclose or give to any person any information or document that comes to my knowledge or possession by reason of my being a public servant. So help me God.
Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance
Swear
I,
Name of Public Servant (First and Last Name)
Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance Swear I, Name of Public Servant (First and Last Name) swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second (or the reigning sovereign for the time being), her heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.
Following are the three Oaths of Office taken by the Canadian Governor General.
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
I, __________, do swear (declare) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors.
So help me God.
OATH OF THE MEMBERS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL
I, __________, do solemnly and sincerely swear (declare) that I shall be a true and faithful servant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, as a member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council for Canada. I will in all things to be treated, debated and resolved in Privy Council, faithfully, honestly and truly declare my mind and my opinion. I shall keep secret all matters committed and revealed to me in this capacity, or that shall be secretly treated of in Council. Generally, in all things I shall do as a faithful and true servant ought to do for Her Majesty.
So help me God.
OATH OF OFFICE
I, _________, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear (declare) that I will truly and faithfully, and to the best of my skill and knowledge, execute the powers and trusts reposed in me as…
So help me God.
The Prime Minister of Canada also takes these three oaths.
Note that elected officials never swear an Oath to Canadians, our Charter or to represent their constituents. Their loyalty is to be a servant to the Queen and to hold secrets. You can read the Oaths of Office Regulations here.
How exactly are Canadians to have democratic representation when our elected swear allegiance and secrecy solely to the Queen of England?
