Canadian Territory Adjusts Swearing-In Law After Municipal Council Rejects King’s Oath
King Charles III has been dealt a blow from Canada as a Yukon territory changed its swearing-in rules, allowing elected municipal officials to pledge allegiance to the country's constitution instead of the British Crown.
The decision follows the refusal by Dawson City’s newly elected council to take the King’s oath, citing solidarity with an Indigenous council member who raised concerns about the Crown’s colonial legacy in Canada. In response, Yukon’s minister of community services, Richard Mostyn, announced the adjustment, stating it “allows officials to align their oath with broader societal values and cultural identities.”
Previously, Canadian elected officials were required to pledge allegiance to King Charles III, his heirs, and successors. The change introduces an alternative oath, ensuring council members can serve without swearing allegiance to the Crown.
This move comes shortly after Prince Harry’s solo visit to Canada, where he attended Toronto's Grey Cup to promote the 2025 Invictus Games.
Dawson City’s council faced a December 9 deadline to resolve the matter, as failing to take the oath within 40 days of election would have nullified their wins under Yukon law. The territory’s swift decision has been described as a step towards acknowledging diverse cultural perspectives within Canada, a Commonwealth nation.
The development underscores ongoing debates about the monarchy’s relevance in former British colonies, marking a challenging moment for King Charles as he seeks to solidify his reign.
