- Reaction score
- 4,028
- Points
- 1,260
Shared in accordance with the "fair dealing" provisions, Section 29, of the Copyright Act - http://www.cb-cda.gc.ca/info/act-e.html#rid-33409
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/editorialsletters/story.html?id=bed50426-d409-47d8-8e48-c18d505dbf73
Michaelle Jean, MIA
National Post, June 15, 2006
''For the first time, Canada will not be represented by a senior official at a major royal occasion. Today, Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday will be formally celebrated at a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and afterwards at a glittering luncheon at which the Queen will give a speech. Among the dignitaries present will be governors-general from the Queen's overseas realms, including Michael Jeffery, the Governor-General of Australia, and Arthur Hanna, the Governor-General of Bahamas -- but not Michaelle Jean, the Governor-General of Canada. In fact, since the post of high commissioner in London is currently vacant, the sole representative of the Government of Canada at this important occasion marking the monarch's lifetime of service will be a diplomat named Guy Saint-Jacques, who is a temporary replacement at Canada House.
By tradition, Canada has been represented by the governor-general at such occasions, although sometimes by the prime minister, and even at times by both of them. In this case, the invitation went to Rideau Hall in May and at the time it was decided that the Governor-General would not attend because of scheduling conflicts. A spokesman for Ms. Jean explained that she was in Toronto yesterday to visit a school and a charity for immigrants, and to officially open the city's new opera house. Today, she has some "private events" scheduled.
In the midst of the initial controversy over Ms. Jean's appointment, we urged that critics give her a chance. We also suggested that she could make a real impact if she went against type, and actually embraced the institution that she represents: the Crown in Canada. Instead, the opposite seems to be the case. While she has travelled to Haiti and Chile for presidential inaugurations, she could not find the time in her busy schedule to attend a Service of Thanksgiving that honours our own Sovereign.
The Queen, and frankly the people of Canada, deserve better.''
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/editorialsletters/story.html?id=bed50426-d409-47d8-8e48-c18d505dbf73
Michaelle Jean, MIA
National Post, June 15, 2006
''For the first time, Canada will not be represented by a senior official at a major royal occasion. Today, Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday will be formally celebrated at a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and afterwards at a glittering luncheon at which the Queen will give a speech. Among the dignitaries present will be governors-general from the Queen's overseas realms, including Michael Jeffery, the Governor-General of Australia, and Arthur Hanna, the Governor-General of Bahamas -- but not Michaelle Jean, the Governor-General of Canada. In fact, since the post of high commissioner in London is currently vacant, the sole representative of the Government of Canada at this important occasion marking the monarch's lifetime of service will be a diplomat named Guy Saint-Jacques, who is a temporary replacement at Canada House.
By tradition, Canada has been represented by the governor-general at such occasions, although sometimes by the prime minister, and even at times by both of them. In this case, the invitation went to Rideau Hall in May and at the time it was decided that the Governor-General would not attend because of scheduling conflicts. A spokesman for Ms. Jean explained that she was in Toronto yesterday to visit a school and a charity for immigrants, and to officially open the city's new opera house. Today, she has some "private events" scheduled.
In the midst of the initial controversy over Ms. Jean's appointment, we urged that critics give her a chance. We also suggested that she could make a real impact if she went against type, and actually embraced the institution that she represents: the Crown in Canada. Instead, the opposite seems to be the case. While she has travelled to Haiti and Chile for presidential inaugurations, she could not find the time in her busy schedule to attend a Service of Thanksgiving that honours our own Sovereign.
The Queen, and frankly the people of Canada, deserve better.''