The Queen is Canada's Head of State
Governor General Refers to Herself as Head of Canada's Government
Oct 10, 2009
Jean’s first reference to the office that she holds came when she spoke about her life. She told the audience how she was born in Haiti, a descendent of slaves and later became a Quebecoise, a Canadian and now stands before everyone as the head of state. Later on during her speech the Governor General talked about the people that she has met while travelling as Canada’s head of state.
Constitutional Experts and Others Criticize the Governor General
Michaelle Jean’s statements drew immediate criticism from constitutional experts and the Monarchist League of Canada. The Chairman of the league, Robert Finch was quoted as saying that the Queen is Canada’s head of state and the governor general is only the Queen’s representative in the country.
Jean’s mischaracterization of her office also drew attention on Parliament Hill. NDP MP Paul Dewar, a former teacher, told reporters that when he taught civics to his students he taught them that the Queen was Canada’s head of state and the governor general was the Queen’s representative. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, through his office, advised the governor general that she should refrain from describing herself as the country’s head of state.
Reference to the Governor General as the Head of State Widespread
Michaelle Jean’s defining herself as Canada’s head of state was no slip of the tongue. In defending her actions, Rideau Hall issued a statement saying that since the governor general carries out the duties of the head of state she is the de facto head of state of Canada. Further examination has revealed that the governor general’s website as well as brochures that are handed out at Rideau Hall similarly describe Jean as the head of state.
Canada’s Constitution Defines the Role of the Governor General
The office and duties of the government of the governor general of Canada are set out in the Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly the British North American Act). In Part III of that Act, under the heading of Executive Power, Section 9 vests the power of and over the executive government in the Queen. Section 10 clearly states that the governor general acts on behalf of and in the name of, the Queen.
Canadians Have Poor Knowledge of Their Government
Many Canadians have a poor knowledge of Canada’s history and the makeup of its government. An
Ipsos Reid poll released on December 15, 2008 revealed that only 59% of Canadians know that Canada’s government is a constitutional monarchy. Twenty-five per cent of respondents answered that the Canadian government is a cooperative assembly while 17% of those polled believe the country’s government is a representative republic.
In answer to the question of who is Canada’s head of state, only 24% of respondents answered that it was the Queen. Forty-two per cent thought that the prime minister is the head of state while 33% believe it is the governor general. More Ontarians (33%) knew that the Queen is Canada’s head of state while only 16% of British Columbians were able to give the right answer.
Michaelle Jean’s referring to herself as the head of state of Canada has reignited the debate about whether Canada should keep its constitutional monarchy or sever all ties with the Queen.
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