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A Political Governor General

Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, who was appointed by Prime Minister Chrétien in October 1999, is proving to be very partisan.

The role of the Governor General is not supposed to be political - far from it. The Governor General is to represent the Queen in Canada and is required to remain above the political squabbles of the day, performing a largely ceremonial role.

Ms. Clarkson, however, had a long history of social activism prior to her appointment. She was a member of the honorary board of the Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL), and, as a feminist, promoted that agenda consistently when she hosted a CBC current affairs program, "Take 30." It is now obvious that Ms. Clarkson does not want to serve within the limitations of a ceremonial role only. On becoming Governor General, Ms. Clarkson stated during her swearing-in speech that she intended to do things "differently." She certainly is.

In January of last year, at the swearing in of Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, Ms. Clarkson made comments specifically emphasizing gender politics. These comments led to the discomfort of many witnessing the ceremony. She stated that because both she and Madam Justice McLachlin were women, "Canada is very well assured to go into the 21st century looking ahead and doing the right thing."

By this, Ms. Clarkson seemed to imply that Chief Justice McLachlin would allow her ideology as a "woman," rather than the merits of a particular case, to be the deciding factor in her judgments. Ms. Clarkson also implied that placing women in positions of power would advance their cause and that of Canada in the 21st century. The implication, of course, is that women have a corner on truth and justice.

A few days later, on January 13, 2000, Ms. Clarkson gave a personal interview to the Globe and Mail, in which she discussed gender politics, again commenting on the tremendous advancements of women. Ms. Clarkson allowed that there were still challenges caused by "sexual differences" which must be "really really examined in the 21st century."

Ms. Clarkson ventured into political waters again on January 14, 2001 in regard to the publicity stunt by Reverend Brent Hawkes of the Metropolitan Community Church in Toronto when he conducted a form of marriage between two same-sex couples. At that time, Ms. Clarkson, who had been invited to witness the ceremony, sent a congratulatory letter sending her best wishes to the couples. This letter was read out during the marriage performance.

The Governor General's letter caused an uproar. Dr. Grant Hill (Macleod, Alberta), Family Critic for the Canadian Alliance, and Alliance M.P. Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin) strongly objected to the Governor General's actions, calling them highly inappropriate and far exceeding the boundaries of a Governor General's duties. Mr. Vellacott stated that he would introduce a motion of censure against her after the Commons resumed sitting at the end of January.

The Catholic Bishops of Canada also raised their strong objections, stating that Ms. Clarkson's actions would inevitably be perceived as "divisive and political." In his letter to the Governor General, the President of the Catholic Bishops, Bishop Gerald Weisner of Prince George, B.C., reminded the Governor General not only of her duty to represent all the people of Canada, but to respect and uphold the basic values and laws of Canadians. A letter to the same effect was also sent to Prime Minister Chrétien by Monsignor Peter Schonenach, General Secretary of the Bishop's Conference.

As a result of the furor, the Governor General's office began to back pedal, claiming that Ms. Clarkson's letter was merely a "standard courteous form sent in response to thousands of invitations the Governor General receives."

Ms. Clarkson also sent a reply to the Catholic Bishops claiming her letter to the same-sex couple "did not imply political intent" and blamed the letter on a bureaucratic "misunderstanding." One is inclined to disbelieve her, owing to the fact that Ms. Clarkson and her bureaucrats would have had to be very dim indeed (which they are not) to believe that a congratulatory letter for a marriage between "Kenneth" and "Joseph" was not a political letter.

By all appearances, Governor General Clarkson wants to be a person of power and influence in Canada and is prepared to adapt the office of the Governor General to suit her personal ambition.

Please write to the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien objecting to political interference by Ms. Clarkson. Please also write to the Governor General, expressing your objections to her actions. Their addresses are as follows:

The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien
Prime Minister's Office
80 Wellington Street, 2nd Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

Tel: 613.992.4211
Fax: 613.941.6900

Her Excellency The Right Honourable
Adrienne Clarkson,
Governor General of Canada
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1

Tel: 1.800.465.6890
Fax: 613.998.1664

When writing to the Governor General, the correct salutation is Excellency. (e.g., do not write: "Dear Ms. Clarkson Governor General", simply start your letter "Excellency")

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