Canadians to Trudeau – Don’t choose the next governor general by yourself

Canadians to Trudeau – Don’t choose the next governor general by yourself

By Shachi Kurl, President

In the choppy wake of Julie Payette’s scandalous departure from Rideau Hall, the easiest, most predictable question to ask is “Who’s next?” That is, who could or should succeed her as governor general?

The more important question, however, is “What’s next?”

At any good organization, when a well-paid, high-profile employee gives up their position, and before the job is re-posted, it is time for a bit of soul searching, a bit of stock-taking. If Canadians themselves – as opposed to the politicians and public servants who act on their behalf – were in charge of hiring, the role would be significantly amended, if not eliminated altogether. Recent polling from the Angus Reid Institute shows that if they could, two-in-five Canadians would opt to scrub the position entirely.

Of course, this is easier said than done. One cannot eliminate the Queen’s representative in Canada, a function that pre-dates Confederation itself, without eliminating this country’s status as a constitutional monarchy. While I dare you to find me a politician today prepared to attempt the required changes in the Constitution, it may not be so unfathomable in 25 or 50 years.

For the rest of this piece, please view it on the Ottawa Citizen’s site where it was initially published.


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