Just wondering what everyone thinks about our new Governor General Michaelle Jean. I'm very proud that Canada is the first North American nation to have a black head of state (even if only figuratively). I also think that while it's unfortunate that she may (or may not) have supported separatism in the past, that her appointment is a sign of the country collectively moving forward in the direction of unity through respect for (and celebration of) diversity.

A lot of people are beaming at how great this appointment, others are fuming mad, and other don't care who it is but think we should get rid of the job altogether... just curious to see what everyone else here thinks.

I'd have to agree with you, and say that it makes me proud that Canada, a nation that promotes diversity more than any I know, has chosen this Haitian born woman to be our next Governor General. Even if the position is more symbolic than actually powerful, it is important that minorities who are qualified and exceptional, are recognized, and placed in positions of power.

I think the claims that she used to support separatism are criticisms by people simply looking for something to complain about. Perhaps she did in the past support the Bloq or the PQ, but it is pretty clear now that she supports a unified Canada, and will go far in proving to Quebeckers that French speaking Canadians are as valued as the English.

In the end, since she has no real power, what difference does it make? I hope that she spends a little less of Canadian tax dollars than Clarkson did on trips and functions, but i'm sure not much will change...

while I am all for diversity...

what does the governor general [i:4fb5a33d01]really[/i:4fb5a33d01] do???

~ng

Generally they govern.

I wrote that on a test last year... I didn't get any points, but I got a happy face!

They really don't do much, except sign any laws or bills that pass through parliament, which are supposed to get the Queen's approval, but instead we ship it off to the Governor General...
That and they travel around the world and represent Canada in different functions, look pretty, shake hands, and tell everyone how great our country is.
At least thats my understanding of the job.

That's pretty much it. Also s/he is the commander of Canada's armed forces, and is responsible for dissolving parliament and/or choosing the prime minister (who, of course, is traditionally the leader of the party with the most seats in Parliament, but for some reason the formal choosing of the PM is in the hands of the GG)

the installation ceremony was really beautiful, the nicest political swearing-in that i've ever seen. it was three hours and kept me engrossed the whole time. beautiful performances, thoughtful commentary and a fabulous speech from Madame Jean. i've been a fan of The Passionate Eye for many years now, and it's wonderful to see Michaelle given this opportunity. it's a great day for Canada. that said, i look forward to the day when a black Canadian holds a political position with much more actual substance to it.

MJ rawks! (and to be clear, i'm not referring to michael jackson :P )

...jim

So the GG appoints the PM and the PM appoints the GG? Whoa.

I do find that the position (and our association, even if in name only, with the British Crown) is completely unnecessary. But she seems that she's a good enough choice for the job (her previous support of the seperatism movement both vocally and financially notwithstanding).

knowing nothing about the position or its effects, from the way people have described it, her duties sound similiar to those of Condeleza Rice here in the US. Let's hope, however, Jean is a)more effective b)isn't just a bitch (or pawn, whatever you wish) for the good ole boys.

i find the political difference between the US and Canada amazing, especially considering that nothing about Canada is ever taught down here (by down here i'm even referring to being less than an hour from the border). last year at this time we held a Canadian Arts Festival with a bunch of authors, musicians, and whatnot at my college in PA, and all they could talk about was the impending election of ours. the people from the Conference said polls in Canada had Kerry with about a 90% approval rating. i found it amazing. and reading this mini-discussion you've had going here, especially the bit about how you watched the entire three hour ceremony, i could never imagine such a thing in the US, but i wish that sort of passion existed here. maybe something good would actually come...

The Governor General's position is way less important than that of Secretary of State. The GG is essentially just a figurehead.

the way our current administration runs things, the secretary of state is about as productive as a drive thru worker at mcdonalds. that's why colin powell quit. right now, it's just a figurehead to further an agenda more or less...

[quote:f1cafb8615="Rachel"]Generally they govern.

I wrote that on a test last year... I didn't get any points, but I got a happy face![/quote:f1cafb8615]

lol :lol:

I like this lady.