Next GG to "reflect the diversity of Canada"

[Murphy]

Being overly concerned with, or constantly focusing on the various customs, religions and races of people in Canada is divisive. Great leaders concentrate on, and develop common goals to which all aspire, regardless of their backgrounds.

Continuously highlighting differences distracts people, detracting from achieving what is best for Canada.

The Governor General and the Queen will disappear as Canada moves toward becoming a republic. In the meantime, a search for someone who, despite being GG, can help guide Canada that way, is required.

Inclusion must be the goal for which we strive. A responsible government, regardless of political affiliation, must be the rallying point.

 

[taxslave]

Another political hack we could live quite nicely without. If the queen wants a rep in Canada let blackie and the rest of the unwashed pay for it.

 

[FiveParadox]

So what is your idea of someone who will reflect the diversity of Canada?

It is not about an individual reflecting that diversity, but rather a selection process that honours the country's diversity, and ensures that we are continuing our work to tear down the traditional and disproportionate domination of white men in positions of power and influence.

The Governor General should be reflecting unity not diversity.

The Governor General can, and should, reflect both. Our governors general should represent the iconic diversity of our country, while bringing Canadians together, encouraging us to be a more cohesive, caring, and compassionate society. These are already core mandates of the office.

Being overly concerned with, or constantly focusing on the various customs, religions and races of people in Canada is divisive. Great leaders concentrate on, and develop common goals to which all aspire, regardless of their backgrounds.

Continuously highlighting differences distracts people, detracting from achieving what is best for Canada.

I disagree. I think that highlighting the fact that Canada is as diverse as it is demonstrates one of the greatest strengths of our country — i.e., that we welcome folks with open arms, and are prepared to celebrate the cultural mosaïc that Canadian society has become.

The Governor General and the Queen will disappear as Canada moves toward becoming a republic. In the meantime, a search for someone who, despite being GG, can help guide Canada that way, is required.

Canada is not "[moving] toward becoming a republic." The Crown is central to the Canadian constitution, and having an appointed, non-partisan representative of the head of state, in the governor general, is one of the best possible protections against abuses by a prime minister.

 

[Murphy]

On these last two points, we will continue to disagree.

Welcoming folks with open arms has little to do with showing we appreciate diversity. It merely says that we do not care what your background is, you are welcome.

WRT becoming a republic, that's been happening in earnest since the 1970s. A constitution is a document. It is not inviolate. The manner in which a country is governed is subject to change. It's happened many times across the globe.

When the Queen dies, Prince Charles team will have an uphill battle holding things together. His people will be burning the midnight oil in order to develop a competent plan, necessary to stay the course.

In Canada, questioning the monarchy will continue. With the Queen's passing, the voices calling for a republic will get louder.

 

[darkbeaver]

Canada is not "[moving] toward becoming a republic." The Crown is central to the Canadian constitution, and having an appointed, non-partisan representative of the head of state, in the governor general, is one of the best possible protections against abuses by a prime minister.

But it dosn't protect against abuses by a Monarch or her/his corporate partners. If and when a GG corrects a PM it would be first of all to protect her majestys assets in the Crowns colony. Once those assets were secure peace and the normal order would be restored of course.

 

[Murphy]

But it dosn't protect against abuses by a Monarch or her/his corporate partners. If and when a GG corrects a PM it would be first of all to protect her majestys assets in the Crowns colony. Once those assets were secure peace and the normal order would be restored of course.

One hundred years ago or more, the Dominion may have been virtually unprotected, but times have changed. Laws have been enacted and we have a charter. The Queen is less involved in governance. Even in the UK, sovereigns do not have the control that they once did.

Governors General do not correct PMs. They remind them of the constitutionality of their actions. They assist the government in following those procedures. Giving advice where necessary.

 

[Curious Cdn]

One hundred years ago or more, the Dominion may have been virtually unprotected, but times have changed. Laws have been enacted and we have a charter. The Queen is less involved in governance. Even in the UK, sovereigns do not have the control that they once did.

Governors General do not correct PMs. They remind them of the constitutionality of their actions. They assist the government in following those procedures. Giving advice where necessary.

They prorogue Parliament rather than hand power over to ad hoc coalitions.

 

[Murphy]

The GG does this after meeting with the PM. The PM makes the decision. The GG merely does what he is asked to do. Can he refuse? Not really. Because he is a figure head, the ceremonial procedures are followed, but the GG doesn't really have much to say. At best, all he can do is chat with the PM, if he feels the PM is not making the right decision.

 

[WLDB]

I'd be fine with the current guy just staying on a little longer if he is willing. They have renewed GGs for another term a number of times before.


If they do replace him it doesn't really matter much to me who it winds up being.

The Governor General and the Queen will disappear as Canada moves toward becoming a republic.

I'd like this to be true - but it isn't. We are no closer to becoming a Republic now than we were 50+ years ago.

They prorogue Parliament rather than hand power over to ad hoc coalitions.

Generally. There has been one exception to that rule so far though. It still can happen again legally.

Can he refuse? Not really. Because he is a figure head, the ceremonial procedures are followed, but the GG doesn't really have much to say.

Yes, he can. The constitution is pretty clear on that. In practice so far they tend to do as they are told but it is not an absolute must. There are reserve powers.

 

[Murphy]

I believe we are closer to being a republic simply because Canada is almost American in their thinking. The young, virtually everyone under 50, has been bombarded with US television from the cradle, and think more like the neighbours than at any other time in our history. Technology made this possible. Internet. Cable. Satellites.

I taught for many years. I do not recall any of my students ever saying that they would work to hold onto the monarchy. They said it had outlived its usefulness.

WRT refusing to prorogue, you yourself have pointed out that, while constitutionally they can refuse, in practice, they will not. In this case, due diligence ensures they will advise against something, but not refuse outright.

While not an exact parallel, this is similar to judges not enforcing laws that they consider out of date or no longer enforceable. Examples include marijuana use and abortion. The laws eventually get changed to reflect current thinking.

 

[davesmom]

I wish Trudeau would get over his damned obsession with diversity and get doing something important.

So Canada has a diverse population. So what? Why does it have to be brought up and into every issue? It's a fact; we all know that.

The only diversity that isn't represented so far is somebody wearing a niqab. It shouldn't be hard to find a woman like that to represent our diversity, represent the Queen and be commander in chief of our military.

Babbling about diversity all the time does nothing but divide people. If Trudeau would shut up about it people probably wouldn't even notice. His going on about it indicates that every minority is somehow 'different'. Is that the message we want every Canadian to get?

 

[Kreskin]

Will it be a homeless GG?

 

[davesmom]

A decorated war veteran would be a good GG if there is one left.

 

[JLM]

A decorated war veteran would be a good GG if there is one left.

Probably way too old!

I wish Trudeau would get over his damned obsession with diversity and get doing something important.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if he dropped a bomb on Pukin! Blowing up children's hospitals is way beyond the pale!

 

[Curious Cdn]

A decorated war veteran would be a good GG if there is one left.

We have a brand new crop of those.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Boy howdy, there's a one-legged schizophrenic black/native/Asian/Australian aborigine Muslim/Jew/Ba'hai/atheist transgendered lesbian with a tobacco allergy in Montreal saying "Now is MY time!"

 

[Blackleaf]

Next GG to "reflect the diversity of Canada"

Expect the post to go to a black, transgendered, paraplegic, former Sikh, Muslim-convert lesbian in a burka who can't speak English.