OTTAWA — In a move the Monarchist League of Canada decries as “unhelpful” to Canadian identity, the federal government is no longer sending prints of the Queen’s portrait to Canadians who request them. Although images of Her Majesty are still available to download, the League, which hitherto helped Canadian Heritage distribute physical copies, is concerned that the nation’s smaller communities could suffer since not all have access to lithographic printing facilities. A spokeswoman for Canadian Heritage said the decision was taken after “careful study, taking into account escalating costs and the environmental impact. “The predominance of digital technology makes it possible for Canadians to download, save and print their own portraits and has become common practice,” added Amélie Desmarais. “Digital availability offers Canadians greater flexibility in the format and size they wish to print and makes the portrait universally accessible.

Source: National Post May 23, 2019 11:01 UTC