Ottawa - Most people in Canada do not believe that people should take the oath of allegiance to the Queen during the oath ceremonies held at the final stage of eligibility for Canadian citizenship, according to a survey conducted before Canada Day.

A Leger survey for the Canadian Studies Association showed that 56 percent of respondents did not agree with the oath of allegiance to the Queen.

New Canadians are required to swear allegiance to the monarchy at citizenship ceremonies, including the pledge to be "faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors."

Jacques Gauthier, president of the Canadian Studies Association, said most people born in Canada were probably unaware that new Canadians must take the oath to be loyal to the royal family.

He said, "If you ask Canadians about their identity, only a few of them will mention the monarchy."

On the other hand, no margin of error can be determined for the survey, which included 2,118 people earlier this month, because online surveys are not considered truly random samples.

While 58 percent of those who responded lean positively towards the Queen, with only 28 percent having a negative stance, Canadians are evenly divided - 40 percent positive and 40 percent negative - in their view of the monarchy in general.

The survey questioned whether "As Canadians, should we all be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Queen and her heirs."

Those who are strong supporters of the monarchy were more likely to approve of the allegiance.

While 60 percent of men and 52 percent of women surveyed answered negatively. Opposition was stronger among Canadians aged 18 to 34 compared to those over 55.

Nearly three-quarters of people living in Quebec opposed the oath, compared to only 47 percent in Alberta.

A large proportion of those surveyed - including 20 percent of women - said they had no opinion or did not want to answer.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and the Queen is the head of state. She is represented federally by the Governor General Mary Simon, and provincially by the Lieutenant Governor.

Any change in the position of the Queen or her representatives in Canada requires unanimous approval from the House of Commons, the Senate, and the provincial legislatures.

Taking the citizenship oath is the final step to becoming a Canadian citizen. Ceremonies are held across the country, with special celebrations on Canada Day.

New Canadians must also pledge to faithfully abide by the laws of Canada.

Earlier this month, the Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee with celebrations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and throughout the Commonwealth. In the past, she ascended the throne at the age of 27 in 1952 and is considered to have the longest reign among other English monarchs.

Edited by: Dima Abu Khair