Julie Payette’s resignation is a chance to reimagine the role of Governor General
Julie Payette’s resignation is a chance to reimagine the role of Governor General
By Thomas Klassen
Julie Payette’s abrupt resignation after an external review found Rideau Hall was a toxic workplace is an opportunity to transform the role of Canada’s Governor General.
The patriation of the Constitution 40 years ago under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau gave Canada complete sovereignty as an independent country. However, it left the Queen’s role as monarch of Canada untouched.
The Governor General represents the monarch in Canada and the duties of the office include giving royal assent to legislation — the final step that makes acts of Parliament into law.
The position also has a large ceremonial role, both domestically and internationally, and the ambassadorial part of the job was apparently one of Payette’s problems.
Comments (0)