If you've been following this blog, you may have gotten the impression that I am not exactly a Trudeau fan--and you're right. However, unlike most people these days who have little respect for him, I do respect him. The Bible teaches us to have respect for those in authority. It's no small thing to be elected Head of State. So, respect, yes, but agreement, very seldom!
Wait a minute! Head of State? Trudeau? Not so. Canada's real Head of State is the British Queen Elisabeth whose representative right now is a woman, a most remarkable and gifted woman, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette. That makes her Canada's Governor General, a position she obtained by appointment from Prime Minister the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau. Yes, Canada's Prime Minister appoints his own boss. Perhaps one day I will be able to see "her boss!"
I disagree most of the time with our Right Honourable, but, apart from a few ceremonial or symbolic gestures, I recall agreeing with him wholeheartedly only twice and both cases were about ladies. The first was probably Trudeau's first public decision: gender balance of the Federal Cabinet. I was really happy about that; thought the world of that move. Great beginning. I've always wanted more women in high positions, for we men are just too aggressive, ambitious and political.
The second decision by Trudeau that has my approval is the appointment of Julie Payette as our Governor General. As to the reason for my approval, I can do no better but to treat you to a brief summary of her accomplishments as written up by our Vancouver Centre Member of Parliament, the Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry in her latest report to her constituency under the title,
"To Infinity and Beyond: Meet Canada's New Governor General"
As an individual with an impeccable track record of accomplishments, Ms Payette is well-equpped to represent Canadians in this new role:
- In 1992, the Canadian Space Agency plucked her out of a field of 5,330 applicants to become one of four new astronauts.
- She was the second female astronaut and the first Canadian to board the International Space Station.
- Her Excellency is an accomplished pianist and classical singer who has performed with symphony orchestras from Montreal to Switzerland.
- Along with being bilingual in English and French, she can converse in Spanish, Italian, Russian and German.
- Ms. Payette holds 27 honourary doctorates.
- She is a member of the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame, an Officer of the Order of Canada, has a NASA's Exceptional Service Medal and a Knight of the Order of Quebec.
A new coat of arms was unveiled, featuring white wings that symbolize exploration, liberty and safety. The sigma illustrates her belief in the power of science and facts. Lastly, her motto listed "Per Aspera Ad Astra," translated meaning "Though hardship to the stars."
Her Excellency is the fourth woman to take office as Governor General. Main responsibilities will be to ensure Canada has a functioning, stable Parliament, represent Canada at official events and serve as the Commander in Chief to the Canadian Armed Forces.
The only thing I hesitate about is that last position: Commander in Chief to the Armed Forces. As far as I know, Canada not being a nuclear power, there is no button that, when pressed, can unleash a
nuclear war. So, that is not a concern, not as it is in the US with its current White House Resident. But it seems to me that to hold that position, you need to have some sort of experience in the world of armed forces as well as politics. Ms. Payette has neither. And that holds true for most holders of that position, female or male. No doubt, any action she would take as Commander will be decided upon after extensive consultation with the professionals, but still it makes me kind of uncomfortable. I would prefer that position to be held by the Prime Minister, who is usually more savvy in that respect.
In closing, if you have not yet done so, please welcome with me Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette.
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