tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31415271.post2291135563877507704..comments2023-09-22T06:22:50.820-06:00Comments on Ken Chapman: Harper Will Have to Blow Smoke at the Governor General and NOT Say Why He Really Wants an Electionkenchapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384045981190810115noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31415271.post-18224497957242743892008-09-04T16:54:00.000-06:002008-09-04T16:54:00.000-06:00Justin - you are right...the GG is ceremonial but ...Justin - you are right...the GG is ceremonial but she has powers that are rarely used. Calling an election is one of those powers. However for the GG to interfere with the political process is over the top.<BR/><BR/>My point is as the Queen's representative, she is obliged to receive and take advice from her Prime Minister. At the very least she could ask for the supporting evidence for the advice her Prime Minister is giving her. That is hardly political interference but rather showing prudence and respect for Parliament.<BR/><BR/>If the evidnece is wanting or wanton why not reject it and suggest that her Prime Minister face the House and test its confidence directly. To allow her Prime Minister to merely speculate on a matter of confidence to cause an necessary and unwanted election is way too subjective and self-serving by the Prime Minister for my liking.<BR/><BR/>Will she do it? Nah! I don't think so. But it is worth considering as a reasonable alternative in her role and duty.<BR/><BR/>I appreciate the thoughtful comment.kenchapmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11384045981190810115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31415271.post-58783736446758140792008-09-04T14:52:00.000-06:002008-09-04T14:52:00.000-06:00While I don't support Harper's justification for f...While I don't support Harper's justification for forcing an election, the Governor General isn't there to stop it. The ceremonial representative of a ceremonial monarch in England should not interfere in the sovereign administration of the Canadian state in any substantive way. If she did, I'd say that would be reason enough to do away with the colonial legacy once and for all.<BR/><BR/>This isn't a good time for an election, but it's not the GG's role to say so.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com