His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, husband to the Governor General of Canada, is set to promote Canada's wine industry today, presenting the Cuvée Awards for Best Gewürztraminer and Best Sauvignon Blanc at the Cuvée Gala.
Many other nations do not form any distinction between the head of government, and the head of state (or the representative thereof); here in Canada, there is quite a clear divide between the two, as there should be, in my opinion. Some nations, such as the United States of America, have heads of state who do not have the time to take part in cultural events such as these; we are lucky, in Canada, to have someone who can act in a non-partisan manner, to promote unity and the development of a Canadian identity and culture.
The very fact that the representative of our head of state is an unelected person is quite a valuable principle to keep in mind, in my opinion; this ensures that whomever becomes the representative of our head of state is unbiased, in that they cannot be threatened by the population of Canada to be removed, were they to refuse an unreasonable request from the Cabinet.
His Excellency, today, will be promoting Canadian products, made in Canada, served in Canada and for the enjoyment of Canadians. He, along with Her Excellency in their joint endeavours throughout the country, are helping to develop a sense of "Canadianism." In a nation where this seems somewhat absent, as many would assert, I would think that now more than ever it is important that we continue to support the endeavours of our vice-regal representative in her efforts, and those of His Excellency, to help develop clear identity and culture for Canada.
There are those who would question the merit of sending His Excellency, or Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, on cultural events such as these — however, I would argue that the office of the Governor General and, by extension his or her spouse or partner, is proven to be quite valuable by endeavours such as these.The [i said:
Many other nations do not form any distinction between the head of government, and the head of state (or the representative thereof); here in Canada, there is quite a clear divide between the two, as there should be, in my opinion. Some nations, such as the United States of America, have heads of state who do not have the time to take part in cultural events such as these; we are lucky, in Canada, to have someone who can act in a non-partisan manner, to promote unity and the development of a Canadian identity and culture.
The very fact that the representative of our head of state is an unelected person is quite a valuable principle to keep in mind, in my opinion; this ensures that whomever becomes the representative of our head of state is unbiased, in that they cannot be threatened by the population of Canada to be removed, were they to refuse an unreasonable request from the Cabinet.
His Excellency, today, will be promoting Canadian products, made in Canada, served in Canada and for the enjoyment of Canadians. He, along with Her Excellency in their joint endeavours throughout the country, are helping to develop a sense of "Canadianism." In a nation where this seems somewhat absent, as many would assert, I would think that now more than ever it is important that we continue to support the endeavours of our vice-regal representative in her efforts, and those of His Excellency, to help develop clear identity and culture for Canada.