i look for to the author's writings on other subjects common to australia and canada - multiculturalism, the state of the federation, citizenship issues

I disagree with the notion that "so many" people want to immigrate here. Just look at our population in contrast to the US and even the UK..almost invisible..and we're the worlds second biggest country! The multicultural immigration boom is a fairly recent phenomenon in our development, which probably has something to do with our growing global stature and Republican-like posturing. Much of the world doesn't realize that we're a constitutional monarchy.
For me, becoming a republic means being more connected to the land, the history, the myth, the people, and the idea Canada as a living thing. Right now, history constricts and mars artistic reflection and exploration into the timeless qualities of Canada. Art and kinship should be unique to us, not straddle the lines of colonial alliance and modernity. Much like the way "Americana" evokes a timeless and emotional quality. "Canadiana" is still an obscurely divided entity.

Republicanism is shamefully to taboo for our "democratic" country. But to emphasize what you said, I think we're just sh-t scared of becoming like the US.