Op-Ed: G. G. Will Convince Canada To End Monarchy

With a long winter setting in Canada a monumental and historic decision sits in abeyance. The outcome could finally advance the architecture of the federal government's framework.

Following hundreds of millions of dollars spent on elections that could not come up with decisive leadership, an unelected official with little experience and almost no dedicated structural support system, will decide the fate of a country. Canada’s unelected Governor General will be asked by a coalition to anoint an unelected prime minister as leader of the country. Is this a sign that something in this democracy needs fixing? Can a civilized country be more dysfunctional? While Michaelle Jean appears a very gracious host, it is not overstepping to wonder what Martin could possibly have been thinking when he placed her in the most senior position in the land. Ms. Jean was the benefactor of a partisan Liberal appointment, intended to curry favor in Quebec. The culmination of this Haitian native’s experience prior to being picked by Martin, was as a Quebec based CBC news show host. What profound capacities, experience or knowledge of the Canadian landscape Martin found in Ms. Jean to name her Governor General of the country, were never elucidated other than his vague, “we have someone who will take up these duties with a unique perspective and extraordinary experience." Now for her test. Canada expects an unprecedented decision in view of the unfolding events. History, however, has no reasonable, or persuasive circumstance that can shed light and guide a Governor General through this crisis. While every Canadian paying taxes has an opinion, such opinion has no sway in the Governor General’s decision. None. A monarchy is not a democracy. Just because the Governor General’s daily responsibilities are to do the Prime Minister’s bidding on ceremonial matters of less import, he in fact reports to her in the grander scheme. Now that an impasse has severed the current parliament, the weakness in the nature of Canada’s political structure is exposed. If Canada was a democracy in the accepted definition of the term, the Governor General would be an elected official. The alternatives for the Governor General in this rancorous Parliament, are limited and Ms. Jean is not suddenly going to get creative. The opposition has, through formation of a coalition, very clearly defined its line in the sand. Whatever decision she makes, Ms. Jean will offend a large portion of the country. In doing so, the fractures in her designated role will be exposed, and she will have convinced Canada that it must make extensive adjustments in its electoral process and governing structure. It is time Canada changed the Governor General’s position, as well as changed the Senate to an elected body. Canada should also enable its Prime Minister to chose his Cabinet from outside Parliamentary seats if he so chooses. Canada must now move to eliminate the remnants of antiquated and obsolete monarchy, and become a real democracy. James Raider writes the The Pacific Gate Post