Since its Parliament has been shut down by the representative of the British Queen (the "Governor General"), is Canada truly independent and is it technically a monarchy?
That’s a question best answered by clive
Hope this helps:
‘The role of the governor general dates back nearly 400 years to 1608 when Samuel de Champlain acted as the governor of New France. He established what has become the oldest continuing public office in Canada.
Canada became a country at Confederation in 1867. Our system of government is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is Queen of Canada and Head of State. Sworn in on September 27, 2005, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, 27th Governor General since Confederation, represents the Crown in Canada and carries out the duties of head of State.”
link: http://www.gg.ca/gg/rr/index_e.asp
With consent of the GG, Queens rep. Not sure what Harper could have done (perhaps nothing, strictly legally) had the GG tried to let the stooges in, but Harper’s a smart, tough guy. That said, it would be much harder for Canada to get stuck with the likes of Obamah, especially the way that went down. IMO.
Canada is an independent de facto and de jure Constitutional monarchy with the Canadian Monarch, or, in her absence, her appointed representative, exercising the authority of the Crown on the advice of Crown ministers who have the support of a Parliament elected directly by the people.