Correspondence with Laurie Hawn, M.P.

Toronto,
May 10, 2007

Dear Laurie,

Thank you very much for researching the matter - this information is most helpful, if somewhat surprising. All in a simple name change, you say. I wonder if the researchers at the Library of Parliament are aware that the Royal proclamation has never been revoked, when they say that a reinstatement of the Royal designation would need explicit approval from the Queen? I also wonder if they understand that what we are trying to do here is not replace the Canadian Forces, but only to give official status to its subsidiary elements? If the Canadian Forces and its command structure were replaced with a full restoration of the three services, then changes to several pieces of legislation would indeed need to take place. But that is not what we are asking.

Far from replacing and tearing anything down, we want to build upon the success of our unified and integrated Canadian Forces by recognizing the unique and proud heritage of its distinctive elements....I see our best - indeed our last - opportunity to reclaim that heritage as we head towards the navy's centennial in 2010, which is a moment we cannot let slip by. The petitioners in the end may not succeed, but at least we can content ourselves with the knowledge that we gave it one last good shot.

Thanks to your assistance in this matter, we can now proceed to the next step and see what kind of support we can muster. If we are able to attract thousands of online signatures, then we will know that we have a grassroots case to make to the government. We will also contact Jason Kenney, Minister of Canadian Indentity, to enlist his support in this petition, and to guage the political will...

Laurie, we will mention that you are supportive of our petition and have asked you to sponsor it. I am very grateful for your services thus far.

Thank you and God bless,

Lead Petitioner

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Ottawa
May 10, 2007

Dear [Petitioner],

I have done some research regarding the questions you raised in your last email about Royal designations. It appears that it is quite a difficult process to officially reinstate the Royal designation.

I have attached a copy of the response I received from the Library of Parliament for your review.

Thank you very much for writing to me. If I can be of further assistance please let me know.


Sincerely,


Laurie Hawn, MP
Edmonton Centre

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Toronto
May 1, 2007

Laurie,

Many thanks for your response and your support. As a point of interest we believe that the federal government has never relinquished the titles RCN or RCAF, and their Royal Proclamations have never been revoked. They are still valid titles retained by the gov't. and my understanding is, it only requires parliamentary approval to reinstate them as official designations. But what kind of parliamentary approval, we know not. We are very much indebted to your efforts in finding out.


Thank you also for passing me John Melbourne's contact information. I will contact him directly on this initiative and keep you abreast of developments.

Yours,

Lead Petitioner

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Ottawa
May 1, 2007

Dear [Petitioner],

As a guy who served in the RCAF, I support this. We will do some research on the questions you've raised and advise. If you haven't already, you should contact John Melbourne, President Air Force Association of Canada to enlist their support.

Cheers,

Laurie Hawn

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Toronto
April 27, 2007

Dear Laurie Hawn, M.P.

Sir, as you may be aware, the Canadian navy will be celebrating their centennial in 2010. As part of that celebration we petitioners believe it would be timely and highly appropriate to restore a measure of the traditional esprit de corps...by reinstating the Royal designation as it pertains to the Canadian Navy, and by logical inclusion, the Canadian Air Force. Please note that our draft petition aims to restore official usage of the Royal designation only, and is not intended to disrupt in any way the unified command structure or the corporate unity of the Canadian Forces.

If you would be so inclined, we would be honoured if you could sponsor this petition in the House of Commons on our behalf. We are pleased to note on your website that you even make mention of the "Royal Canadian Air Force"!

Before gathering signatures, we would want to be sure ahead of time that the draft petition as written is certifiable. Any comments or suggestions you have on this matter would assist us greatly. In terms of the signatures, we are convinced that we could get hundreds if not thousands to sign up, but this will depend on whether or not we are permitted to use an electronic online petition form to gather names and addresses. The rules state that these must be written signatures, but we know that the Dominion Insititute recently had an online petition form, whereby 90,000 "signatures" were received in support of a state funeral for the last Great War veteran. I'm wondering: Are we permitted to do same?

Not being lawyers, we are also uncertain what action is required to restore the RCN and RCAF. Is it simply a matter of resuming usage of the Royal designation? Does this need an Order-in-Council? Or does this require a legislative amendment? Your advice in this regard would be appreciated...


Thank you very much in advance for your consideration.


Yours,
Lead Petitioner