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Have your say: We asked our readers what they thought about Paul Martin's choice for the next Governor-General. Selected entries are published below |
To all individuals who complain about the lack of "white males from the West" being appointed to the position of Governor-General, I have two words for you: Ray Hnatyshyn. 1995 was not that long ago...
After two in a row, I think all those uncomfortable with women in positions of authority can rest assured that the next Governor-General (if the position still exists) will most likely be male. Happy now?
Nick Brennan
I am from Sherbrooke, Quebec; my parents came from Italy 55 years ago; we have contributed to Canada in many ways, like many other cultural communities. The choice of Jean as governor general is one of the best move in the past years, not only for cultural differences, but because Jean is a strong person, not a token as she says, an inclusive person, just what Canada needs to reconciliate with politics, even if this is an appointment et not through election; honesty, this is Michaelle Jean.
Bianca Battistini, Sherbrooke, Que.
Reading these comments, one thing becomes clear: we're an incredibly dynamic people with all kinds of views. You can't put Canadians in a box, plaster a maple leaf on it, and call it Canuck. And, perhaps this is our identity. (If only we could be comfortable with that...)
So, let's not start shoving our Governor-General-to-be in a box. I think that's something the Prime Minister has tried to do. Mr. Martin might think he's making a nod to... whomever with this appointment. But really, once she assumes her duties, the politics are over. She becomes "ours." The appointment might appear political, but the job is not. The job is vice-regal, one of service. Shouldn't we be grateful for that?
Let's sit tight and see what she's really all about before making assumptions based on what the Prime Minister would like us (and his cronies) to believe about her because of her background. You never know, she might be "a great" -- and "greats" don't fit in boxes.
Theodore Mercredi, The Hague, The Netherlands
What is with these people complaining about -- horrors -- a SECOND woman of colour in a row as governor general? Were the 117 consecutive years of white males from 1867 to 1984 just not enough?
Matt McLauchlin, Montreal
Leaving aside the recurring themes of race, ethnicity, Quebec, and tokenism that have marked the discussion about the new Governor-General, I would like to point to the rather puzzling and irritating speech Ms. Jean gave in front of the press today. Note, in particular, the claim that her being chosen for the position is "not only good for Canadians, but for all abroad, and humanity in general." Well, I suppose it is reassuring that the GG tradition of self-aggrandizement and grotesquely inflated sense of mission continues untroubled.
S. Farz, Montreal
Speaking for myself and at least another few dozen "white males from the west", the choice of Michaëlle Jean could hardly be improved upon. I invite that dull male with a colour fetish on his chest to move south by several hundred miles and help Canada get on with being what most Canadians want it to be: a colorblind model for the world. I'm glad I live in the far west, but hooray for women, hooray for French, and hooray for Quebec.
Ric Hunter
I believe that after Ms. Clarkson's tenure the selection of another female media journalist type is out of sync.
As the Queen's representative, Canada's Governor General needs to be extremely well-rounded and well-grounded. Ms. Clarkson, while charming and eloquent, was also a spendthrift who appeared to be disconnected from the very people with who she strived to form a relationship.
Presenting two GGs in a row who are so very similar (immigrant backgrounds, journalists, CBC connections etc) is a sure fire way to draw the ire of Canadians looking for perhaps a less "high brow" individual.
Pauline Hopwood, Mississauga, Ont. I'm sure she is very accomplished and will represent the position very well, but a person from the media again is a bit much. Is it because they are in the national spotlight that they come to mind so quickly? There must be countless other superbly deserving individuals from the Order of Canada list that would meet the criteria. How about a scientist, writer, accomplished judge, great architect, someone from our military etc.?
Bruce Turnbull, Boston The new Governor-General represents all that is good in this country: multiculturalism, diversity, a celebration of intellect and reason, tolerance and acceptance (not the same concept). The United States likes to refer to itself as "the land of opportunity", yet I somehow doubt that we will see a Black head of state in that nation for years to come. Kudos to Mr. Martin. Sir, you have chosen well.
James Sanyshyn, Vancouver I don't know much about the new Governor General, but I do think that the Prime Minister that appointed her is the most self serving leader in our nation's history. Maybe I'm too cynical, but doesn't it appear that this is all about trying to save the Prime Minister's skin in Quebec in the upcoming election?
Jim Whittier The reason why there is legitimate concern over the choice of Mrs. Jean to the post is the failure to place as paramount the attributes required in the Governor-General as the key criteria for the role.
First and foremost, the Governor-General is not the head-of-state of Canada, nor the "queen" of Canada, but only the representative of our one-and-only monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The out-going Governor-General often usurped her role, and also the one she was supposed to represent. Adrienne Clarkson went on tours masquerading as the head-of-state. She was seen in public, captured on camera, upstaging the Queen, and failing to meet protocol. Last year the Liberal government of Canada put through a bill, through both houses, changing the laws governing civil servants so that they need not swear allegiance to the Queen. To even discuss this bill required Royal Consent. No such consent was received. The Governor-General should have refused to sign the bill, denying Royal Assent, but she did not do that.
When the official papers were prepared for former N.B. premier, Frank McKenna, to report as Canada's Ambassador to the United States, the Queen's name was removed and the papers were sent on behalf of the Governor-General. The government has no such power. The Opposition parties should have screamed loudly. The Governor-General should have sent these papers back to be re-written before she signed them.
The first concern over any Governor-General (never the GG!) is whether or not the person is sufficiently loyal to be worthy of representing the Queen, and secondly if that will person will do so. If not, the person is worthy of the death penalty! Concerns over country of birth are valid, because multiculturalism and hyphenated Canadianism have been tools since Trudeau to divide the allegiances of the members of the nation. We have seen so many who have shunned the freedoms granted to them in British North America, by the country that made these freedoms possible. Canada is British North America, not was, but is! Is Mchaelle Jean loyal to the Crown? Will she restore those powers that were stolen away, declaring the truth that any measure to remove obligation of loyalty to the Queen is void, and an act of treason?
Thomas Baxter I can't wait for the next GG. Hopefully she will be a married lesbian person of colour, and an Inuit speaking hermaphrodite. Then we can all pat ourselves on the back for such progressive views; claim that we personally don't notice things like that and that she is representative of all Canadians. Finally we can jump all over anyone who suggests that perhaps some white guy from western Canada could also have be considered, because after all, they're probably racist or at the very least, incredibly intolerant.
Can you sense the sarcasm? I've noticed that almost all of the previous comments are about what Michaelle Jean is on the outside, a black, female, francophone immigrant. None of the comments are revealing of any of her actual accomplishments, aside from the fact that she's a CBC journalist. I challenge anyone outside of Quebec to tell me what she's known for, I've certainly never heard of her before. But then again, my opinion is slightly outside of the politically correct spectrum and therefore is immediately suspect and unacceptable for debate. I expect to be told how ignorant I am.
For people that claim to be unconcerned about such outside appearances, it seems that that is all they can see.
Shauna Parish, Toronto I applaud the choice of Mme Jean's appointment to the post of Governor-General. To previous comments about the fact that both her and Mrs. Clarkson are from a journalist background speaks volumes on the position of Governor General, whose role is that of Head of State. She or he is for ceremonial purposed and I believe it makes perfect sense to have individuals who are fully media savvy (like journalists) in such a role.
On the choice of a Canadian born outside Canada, all the more wonderful as it helps illustrate just how inclusive a nation we are. To Ms. Brown's arguement that the choice of a francophone quebecoise is on some way pandering to Quebec, the Governor General possition usually rotates between French and English speaking individuals. It's a francophone's turn.
D. Scrivener, Toronto I think it is unethical to have a journalist appointed to or accept an appointment with any level of government. And, here we now have the third G.G. in a row with a journalist background. There will always be the haunting prospect that aspiring, and ambitious journalists will give governments a soft ride in their coverage in an effort to get on those short lists. It is an disturbing conflict of interest.
John Allan, Sarnia, Ont. Frankly, my tax dollars can be better spent. Imagine what an additional 6-figure salary infusion into a city's budget would do. For example, hire 3 new nurses, police officers, fire fighters or teachers. Find me one city in Canada that does not require additional funds for these types of jobs. Furthermore, CDNs benefit everyday from people who do one of the aforementioned jobs. I challenge anyone to find me one CDN who has directly benefitted from the GG.
Johnny Wow, you KNOW you're 'middle-aged' when the Governor-General is younger than you are.
Though my first choice would have been General Romeo Dallaire (making manifest Canada's respect for those who would be the peace-keepers and public conscience in the world), Ms. Jean is a wonderful selection - elegant, vibrant, bright and media savvy. Cool!
Barbara J. Stewart, Vancouver Couldn't we had someone from our First Nations?
Shirley Spencer, Regina No doubt Mr. Martin needed to make a nod toward Quebec in his choice but in my humble opinion English Canadians have become the low man on every totem pole. The world sees us as a French country at the moment. Quebec remains the spoiled child of the family and will whine no matter what decision is made. Perhaps the English community should whine loudly.
Trudy Brown, Brockville, Ont. Comments made previously have mentioned Mme Jean's birthplace as a negative, arguing that it's about time that someone born in Canada be appointed to the post of Governor-General, Canada's head of state. Being born outside the country does not negate the love, passion, and pride for our country that all citizens of Canada hold in our hearts. I am no less Canadian for being born in the People's Republic of China than my brother is for being born here in Vancouver.
Cathy Tan As a university student, I am absolutely appalled by the comments some readers have made towards our next governor general. I could not believe that people still judge an individual based on race, gender, and culture. Thank god I live in my generation!
C.C. Finally as refugee and visible minority I see my self been part of the Canadian society. Great model, inspiration for all our children
Madina Wasuge It is a wonderful recognition that Canada is a haven for those fleeing dictatorial regimes throughout the world, and that Canada has been and is a place where Haitians can settle and contribute.
Charlie White, Portland, Ore. I feel relieved and delighted.
Relieved that the usual type of politically partisan insider, appointed in the past, and floated around over the last few months, were passed over.
And delighted because her appointment reflects far more than is usually the case today's Canada, either in fact or aspiration, rather than yesterdays. The appointment says simply that not only does our Canada include immigrant francophone single mothers of colour from the arts, we hold them in sufficient esteem to appoint them to this highest office. Either that, or the appointment says that being an immigrant francophone single mother of colour from the arts is sufficiently representative of Canadians that the appointment is entirely appropriate, and that the selection process is finally "without prejudice". Take your pick.
Oliver M. Harte
Fabulous choice, so refreshing to NOT have another old white man in the office.
Mike Catlin , Kingston Ontario.
May I inform Mr. Henry [link to comment] that persons of 'colour' represent three-quarters of the world's population, so who is the minority here?
To Ms. Marsh [link to comment], a Canadian Citizen is a Canadian, regardless of where they were born, and as such are entitled to full participation in public life and government. Ms. Marsh does not mean someone not being born in Canada, I'm sure she would have no issue with a Scottish, German or English-born 'white' person in the role. Furthermore, why someone is so concerned about 'a Canadian' representing a non-Canadian (the Queen) is beyond me.
This thinly-veiled racialism that people wrap up in the flag and call nationalism must be seen for what it is - a national and human poison. I expected more from my fellow citizens. In my Canada, the only 'minority' are the people who share these hostile and disgraceful views.
Deborah Ohab
Some people have mentioned being female, being a minority, and having been born in another country as reasons why she's a poor choice. Funny, I thought this was 2005.
Vicky Bilaniuk
Mark Moldowan, Victoria I'm pleased that the present G-G is finally being replaced. I'm also considering applying to CBC for a job so that I can either be promoted to the G-G's post or at least be considered by the Liberal's for a Senate appointment.
J Q It made me even more proud to be Canadian after I learned of Martin's pick for the next Governor-General. To have an accomplished, francophone black woman in such a high profile post is wonderful. This could happen in few places but Canada, though of course, minority communities are still woefully under-represented among Canada's ruling elite.
Sarah Rimmington On the choice: If Canada does not embrace the future it will be left behind. This is more important now than ever before. Michaelle Jean is the face of the future. It will do everyone in Canada good to have such an advocate. She is clearly a critical thinker, an observer of Canadian society and a skilled communicator.
On the position: The utility of this position is administrative. The potential of the position is advocacy. To level the field for all Canadians and to export the ideas behind the Canadian view of a civil society to others.
Ian Morrison, Edmonton Paul Martin's choice is a blatant kow-towing to almost every possible minority group -- women, blacks, immigrants, Quebeckers. Too bad the future GG isn't handicapped. Maybe a background as a journalist counts in that area. It's wonderful to be inclusive and tolerant. But what's wrong with someone who was born on Canadian soil and who happens to live outside Martin's focus area of Quebec?
Don't we have some notable Canadians who have contributed to our development, who have earned us a place on the world stage, who are "real" Canadian heroes?
If the Governor General is supposed to be a rallying point for national unity and spirit, Martin has failed miserably in his choice.
Sheila Hannon Eliminate the G-G position (as well as the monarchy, at least Canada's relationship to it) - it serves no useful purpose, another waste of taxpayers' money.
Steve McKinnon, Glen Haven, N.S.
I think Mme Jean is a brilliant appointment as Governor-General. Her relative youth, her accomplishments well qualify her for the position. She will represent the diversity that is Canada. And I say that as an old white guy myself.
One of your earlier respondents refers to her as "a terrible pick - another Quebecer, a woman, a minority" and bewails that white males from western Canada will never get a look in. He seems to miss that the last person from Quebec left Rideau Hall in 1990 -- and in fact, Mme Sauve was born in Saskatchewan. The last Quebec-born GG was Jules Leger, who left office in 1979; and Ray Hnatyshyn - a white man from out west - was GG as recently as 1995. Given the chips on the shoulder of such people as your respondents, Mme Jean will have an uphill task ahead of her. She is clearly up to that job, too.
Chris Ambidge, Toronto
Fran Irwin, Medicine Hat, Atla. I cannot imagine a better choice than Michaelle Jean. As a Canadian expat living in Scotland I find I am often asked to explain what makes Canada different from the United States. This appointment only solidifies further the truth of our wonderful 'mosaic' compared to the 'melting pot'. Bravo!
Jeff Warden A terrible pick - Another Quebecker, woman, minority and worst of all from the CBC where, as far as I can tell, nobody there is qualified for much of anything -- I guess we will not see a white male from the west for at least the next hundred years or so - god help us all.
Gord Henry
Paul Martin has made an outstanding, wise choice for Governor-General. She brings a background with much diversity, representing a minority being the first black female to be appointed speaking 5 languages. Michaelle Jean will do much to unify a very diverse multi-cultural country.
Paul Breton, Burlington, Ont..
I make about as much sense for governor-general as she does. If we're only going to pick reporters, Ron MacLean would have been a better choice.
Dylan
What is it, with Journalists? What is it, with attractive Journalists?
It's alright to say the position of Governor General is redundant. It's a completely different matter to put such inappropriate people in to Office. Surely, if we're going to keep the anomaly, we should find a respectable and honest business person - or politician. Ah! Now I see the problem!
Roy Anderson.
