Article content

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II that reigned over the lobby of Foreign Affairs headquarters has been taken down and replaced by two Canadian coastal landscapes that once hung in the same spot.

The timing, just two weeks after the Liberals ousted the loyalist Conservatives, has some wondering if the victors are laying siege to the previous government’s firm embrace of our colonial past.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Stephane Dion replaces portrait of Queen with two paintings by Quebec artist that were removed by Baird Back to video

“It makes it appear as though the new government wants to downplay the monarchy,” Robert Finch, dominion chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada, said in an email.

“Naturally, we’re disappointed … (but) I don’t think they want to do that at all. During the election campaign, the Liberal party gave a ringing endorsement for the monarchy so I would expect the last thing they want to do is upset Canadian monarchists.”

Finch said there’s enough room on the spacious lobby for all three images. “This is probably what should have been done four years ago, it’s what should be done today.”