Today we learned that Michaelle Jean is unlikely to serve a second term as Governor General, which is consistent with our parliamentary history. GGs are rarely selected to serve two terms. Who was the last GG to serve two terms? Have any of them? I have been pleased with her service in the position, even though I was originally disappointed to see a CBC get the job for a second time in a row. I don't like CBC reporters being made to believe that they can be the next great GG.
In early December I asked the question:
MICHAELLE JEAN ONE MORE TERM AS GOVERNOR GENERAL?
no (54%)
yes (46%)
Then a month later in January I asked:
WHO WOULD YOU VOTE FOR THE NEXT GOVERNOR GENERAL?
Lewis MacKenzie (23%)
Rick Hillier (17%)
Preston Manning (16%)
Michaelle Jean (14%)
Deb Grey (12%)
Mike Harris (9%)
Ralph Klein (5%)
So, will it be Rick Hansen, the man in motion? Or will it be a military man? Does Presto want the job? This should be an interesting story to follow. The replacement is expected to be named either in June when the Queen is scheduled to visit, or in September.
Why would Rick Hansen be given this position?
ReplyDeleteMy first choice would be Lewis MacKenzie. Second, Rick Hillier.
ReplyDeleteRick Hansen was the name being floated by the press today. I don't know if he's qualified to be the defacto head of state, but he is unquestionably a man worthy of our respect.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I'd personally be happiest with Preston Manning.
I do not mind any of the two ex generals suggested. I would be happy with Preston Manning too. Some of your readers may remember Joseph R. (Joe) Comuzzi who was a Liberal most of his life but switched to the Conservatives during his last year as an MP. If it were not for the fact that he is well past his prime, he would be an awfully good choice. He represented Thunder Bay, Superior North [northern ontario]
ReplyDeleteAll of the people mentioned have served their country very well.
Speaking of the GG/Queen,
ReplyDeletelooks like our mother country is about to set precedent on how coalition govts are formed.
so far rules set out
-the encumbant PM (still sitting after election, and before Queen appoints her new First Minister) gets first crack at forming a coalition,
and is given 3 weeks to do it
-Parliament then resumes with a confidence vote (like PMSH did with a budget)
-the Queen does not interfer with negotiations, and ALL parties are part of the negotiations (not just the losers)
if a majority govt can not be formed (civil servants facilitate negotiations)
another election is called.
The coalition of losers EXCLUDING the governing party in secret negotiations, was a no no.....
Next election, even if PMSH gets another minority (or not), he is still PM and gets a chance to form a majority govt.
ha
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/mar/30/gordon-brown-hung-parliament-pm
Didn't GG Georges Vanier serve more than one term? I know he died in office.
ReplyDeletePreston Manning would be a good choice. He is eloquent, principled, and skilled.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Kevin Newman of Global TV. Newman's hatred of all things non-progressive is awesome to behold, and it's time another TV Network broke the CBC monopoly.
ReplyDeleteDMorris
But seriously, MacKenzie or Hiller.
Of all the names being floated I prefer Rick Hanson. The others have stalked the halls of power. As for those who would question his qualifications I give you Adriane Clarkson and Michaelle Jean.
ReplyDeleteWell if we have to keep the CBC streak alive, the only possibility I can see is Rex Murphy.
ReplyDeleteNot the most attractive guy in the world, but articulate and pretty centered in his approach to politics.