Visit our mobile site

The Globe and Mail

Jump to main navigation
Jump to main content

News Search
Search Stock Quotes
Search The Web
Search People at canada411.ca
Search Businesses at yellowpages.ca
Search Jobs at eluta.ca
Navy, army and air-force officers hold flags of the three forces at a Halifax ceremony announcing the government's decision to restore their traditional names on Aug. 16, 2011. - Navy, army and air-force officers hold flags of the three forces at a Halifax ceremony announcing the government's decision to restore their traditional names on Aug. 16, 2011. | The Canadian Press

Navy, army and air-force officers hold flags of the three forces at a Halifax ceremony announcing the government's decision to restore their traditional names on Aug. 16, 2011.

Navy, army and air-force officers hold flags of the three forces at a Halifax ceremony announcing the government's decision to restore their traditional names on Aug. 16, 2011. - Navy, army and air-force officers hold flags of the three forces at a Halifax ceremony announcing the government's decision to restore their traditional names on Aug. 16, 2011. | The Canadian Press
Enlarge this image

Reader Discussion

Royal ruckus: Is military name-change worthwhile?

Globe and Mail Update

The Harper government's decision to reinstate the traditional names of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army is far from unanimous.

To Defence Minister Peter MacKay, it’s a matter of restoring military pride. But historian Jack Granatstein calls it “abject colonialism” while The Globe and Mail’s editorial board supports the change as a “confident move” Canadians should embrace.

Is this a nod to our rich military history or a return to our colonial roots? Mr. Granatstein and Globe editorial board editor John Geiger debated the issue and took reader questions Wednesday.

Review the discussion using the panel below. Mobile users can click here for a smartphone-friendly interface.