Uncover: The Cult Queen of Canada

Episode S36 E2: "All About Romana"

Host: Rachel Brown, CBC Uncover
Release Date: March 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Uncover delves into the rise and reach of Romana Didulo, the so-called "Queen of Canada," exploring how a little-known figure at the start of 2022 transformed into the leader of a fringe conspiracy cult. Rachel Brown investigates Romana's background, her methods for attracting followers, the dangerous escalation of her rhetoric, and the impact of her cult on small-town Canada. Through interviews, first-hand accounts, and audio from cult members themselves, the episode examines both the bizarre and harrowing aspects of Romana's movement.

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Romana’s Emergence During the Freedom Convoy (00:00–03:11)

• At the height of Canada's "Freedom Convoy" protests against COVID-19 mandates in January 2022, Romana Didulo presents herself to the crowd as "Queen of Canada," burning a Canadian flag and promoting her self-styled "Kingdom of Canada".
  • Quote:
    • "I am Queen Romana of Canada...I am backed by the armed forces of the United States. There are no more elections, no more politicians, no more politics in the Kingdom of Canada." — Romana Didulo (01:11)
• Her profile rises dramatically with media attention as she and her followers travel across the country, ultimately settling in the small town of Richmond, Saskatchewan.

2. Community Response and Law Enforcement Limits (03:11–04:48)

• Locals like retired schoolteacher Shauna Sain express confusion and frustration over law enforcement's apparent inability to act against Romana.
  • Shauna investigates Romana's background herself after RCMP say they need proof of illegal activities.
  • Fears parallel those seen in the Rajneesh cult’s takeover of Antelope, Oregon, highlighted as a historical analog.

3. Romana’s Patchy Backstory and Entrepreneurial Failures (04:48–07:06)

• Romana’s self-published life story: privileged Filipino origins, orphaned by 12, emigrated to Canada as a teen.
• A pattern of failed businesses emerges: cleaning company, recruitment agency, "Infinite Wealth 24.7," and bizarrely, a $2 million fundraiser for police dog bulletproof vests that netted only $26.
  • Quote:
    • "If there’s one thing I know about Romana, it’s that she’s a hustler." — Rachel Brown (05:47)

4. Transition from Failed Politician to QAnon Monarch (07:06–09:25)

• Launches "Canada First" political party in 2020, echoing US far-right slogans, but the party fails.
• Turns to Telegram, announcing herself head of state and quickly amassing thousands of followers as QAnon movement fragments.
  • Quote:
    • "As of February this year, 2021, I am the head of state and commander in chief of Canada, the Republic." — Romana Didulo (08:48)

5. Cult/Mythology Building and Dangerous Decrees (09:25–12:47)

• Declares herself Queen, commander-in-chief, abolishes taxes, utility bills, mortgages — ideas that attract mostly elderly, fixed-income followers, many of whom are described as "sweet people that are very, very deluded." (10:33, Mac Lamoureux)
• Builds elaborate mythos: claims contact with Trump and Putin, touts non-existent "med beds", and divine "DNA X" which she says she’s distributed to humanity.
  • Quote:
    • "I have released DNA X to each and every living I ams in the world and planet Earth." — Romana Didulo (12:47)
• Uses religious/ascension movement language, referencing "I AM" (13:02).

6. Escalation Toward Real-World Mobilization (15:05–17:02)

• Labels COVID restrictions and vaccines as "criminal", incites followers to serve "cease and desist" letters as "digital soldiers."
• Rhetoric turns violent, encouraging "Duck Hunters" to "hunt" those connected to vaccinations, escalating to explicit death threats.
  • Quotes:
    • "You will be put through Nuremberg trial for crimes against humanity, an intentional genocide." (16:32)
    • “You will receive not one, but two bullets on your forehead for each child that you have harmed.” — Romana Didulo (16:47)

7. Confrontation and Tactical Retreat After Law Enforcement Steps In (18:38–20:27)

• Vice journalist Mac Lamoureux exposes "duck hunting" threats; RCMP detain Romana under the Mental Health Act, but she is quickly released, touts lack of charges as vindication.
  • Quote:
    • "You’re not certifiable, meaning you’re not insane." — Romana Didolo (19:58)
• Adjusts tactics: reduces overtly violent rhetoric, but creates coded language (“milkshake” for execution) and strengthens internal loyalty.

8. Insider Perspective: Julie’s Journey Into and Out of the Cult (21:43–32:52)

• Julie (pseudonym), a former follower, shares her experience—drawn in by a desire to “help people.” Echoes that many join out of sincere intentions, not malice.
  • Quotes:
    • “I wanted to get out there and reach more people and wake people up to what’s going on.” — Julie (23:19)
• Describes cult's RV “royal tour” from B.C. through Ottawa protests (including repeated plays of “Rasputin” by Boney M), harsh living conditions, and increasing Romana paranoia.
• Key incident: Peterborough, ON, where followers attempt citizens’ arrest of police, resulting in brawl and arrests—Romana herself stays in RV, avoids direct involvement.
• Julie describes psychological manipulation, harsh treatment of followers, and Romana’s increasing threat-making.
  • Quotes:
    • “It was like a narcissistic relationship when I look back on it.” — Julie (32:52)
    • “We would look at each other and say, do you think she’s been taken off planet? Because she’s not very friendly.” — Julie (31:32)

9. The Cult on the Move: From Expulsion to Sanctuary (32:59–36:47)

• After being chased from towns in Nova Scotia (following Hurricane Fiona) and Saskatchewan, Romana’s group is given sanctuary in Richmond by local Ricky Manns, himself a deep believer and “notorious” figure in the area.
  • Manns had failed to convert the local school into a weed grow-op and housed Romana’s followers in the abandoned property.

10. Stalemate in Richmond and Ongoing Tensions (36:47–39:03)

• Former teacher Shauna monitors livestreams for incriminating activity, finally spotting a possible fire code violation—a glowing propane heater—on Romana’s birthday "Earth Day" broadcast.
• Richmond community remains vigilant but hamstrung by the cult’s (so far) legal status and careful maneuvering.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Romana's Coronation:
  • "I am Queen Romana of Canada." (01:11)
• Deluded Motivation:
  • “A lot of them are sweet people that are very, very deluded.” — Mac Lamoureux (10:33)
• Self-Mythologizing:
  • "This gentleman is presenting a gift from President Putin..." — Romana Didolo (12:07)
• Extreme Threats:
  • “You will receive not one, but two bullets on your forehead for each child that you have harmed.” — Romana Didolo (16:47)
• On Cult Living:
  • “We went a long time sometimes without the opportunity to have showers...sometimes we’d drive into the night and there’d be no food. We’d be eating chips and junk food.” — Julie (27:44)
• On Leaving:
  • "It was like a narcissistic relationship when I look back on it." — Julie (32:52)
• Community Watchfulness:
  • “So at 4 o’clock every afternoon, the cult’s livestream begins. Shauna tunes in. Even when it’s absolutely infuriating.” — Rachel Brown (36:47)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Freedom Convoy & Romana’s Public Debut: 00:00–03:11
• Romana’s Background & Early Schemes: 04:48–07:06
• QAnon Adoption & Cult Formation: 08:48–10:33
• Cult Broadcasting & Decrees: 12:47–15:05
• Threat Escalation: 16:10–17:02
• RCMP Intervention: 18:38–20:27
• Julie’s Testimony & Inside the Convoy: 21:43–32:52
• Cult’s Saskatchewan Arrival & Local Reaction: 32:59–36:47
• Romana’s Richmond "Earth Day" & Monitoring: 37:48–39:03

Tone & Language

The episode strikes a balance between investigative rigor and incredulity, employing both empathy (for followers) and dry wit (Rachel’s asides about absurdities). Rachel is often candid about the “bonkers” turns of the story while never losing sight of the harm involved.

Final Note

This episode reveals how unchecked conspiracy, charismatic self-mythologizing, and online community-building can produce a fringe movement with real impacts across Canada—from crushed spirits in small towns, to ruined finances of vulnerable seniors, to dangerous rhetoric and the thin line between speech and violence. The episode closes with a cliffhanger: as Richmond residents keep vigil, the fate of Romana’s cult, and its next move, remain uncertain.