Who will be today's Lord Grey?
At long last, a government has concluded that television broadcasters have had an unfair advantage when it comes to the award of Federal plums: not just the Rt. Hon. A. Clarkson or Rt. Hon. M. Jean, but Senators Duffy, Wallin, Munson, Kennedy, LaPierre, etc. (see prior post “Of World Press Freedom Day and the Senate” May 3-09).
According to the Ottawa rumour mill, or at least the Toronto Star’s version of it, the Prime Minister’s office is branching out as it looks to replace the incumbent. In the absence of yet another CBC television person to put into the role of the Queen’s representative to Canada, here are a few plausible names to toss unto the Prime Minister’s list of worthy candidates for consideration (if they’re not there already):
Hon. Pat Carney, P.C., former cabinet minister and Senator
Pros: could continue current GG’s promotion of Northern Issues; bilingual
Cons: unlikely to leave Saturna Island
Hon. Jean Charest, P.C., Premier of Quebec
Pros: everyone’s favourite Quebecer
Cons: leaves a vacuum in the National Assembly
Gen. Rick Hillier, ret’d, former Chief of the Defence Staff
Pros: an appropriate candidate to be C-in-C of Military; bilingual
Cons: would need to distance himself from some passages in his recent book
John Honderich, C.M., Chair of Torstar
Pros: demonstrates that the PM is above politics
Cons: what would become of the Toronto Star?
Ron Joyce, Former Chairman of Tim Hortons
Pros: the Tim Horton’s and Outdoors crowd would love it
Cons: unilingual?
Jacques Menard, Deputy Chair of BMO Capital Markets
Pros: he’s already referred to as the “King of Quebec”
Cons: major pay cut would be required
Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, P.C., C.C.
Pros: knows and loves Canada; Quebec would finally embrace Rideau Hall
Cons: would be very expensive for him to resign his various business interests
General Walter Natynczyk, current Chief of Defence Staff
Pros: few give a more inspirational speech; bilingual
Cons: with troops in the field, military need him in an active role
Dr. Joe Rotman, O.C.
Pros: gracious and successful business and philanthropic leader
Cons: likely too much left to do with his existing Canada Council mandate; unilingual
Senator Capt. (N) the Hon. Dr. Hugh Segal, C.M.
Pros: known and loved across Canada; bilingual
Cons: frees up another Senate seat to fill
Hon. Paul Tellier, P.C., former CN Rail CEO
Pros: knows his way around Ottawa and the Constitution; bilingual
Cons: unknown outside Montreal/Ottawa
Nominations to this list are more than welcome, good readers.
MRM
Dennis Hull: Former NHL Hockey Player (Chicago, Detroit), author, lecturer, former college and prep school teacher (Ridley College), rancher, comedian. Played with Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series. Brother of Bobby, uncle of Brett. Public speaker well known for his sense of humour. Who doesn’t want somebody from Team Canada ’72 as GG?
Pros: Former Hockey Player. Good public speaker from well known hockey family. Academic.
Cons: Former Hockey Player. Probably unilingual. Dentures likely.
The Right Hon. Joe Clark: Former Prime Minister (1979 – 80), very competent former Foreign Minister during in the Mulroney Cabinet. As last leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party before the alliance with the Reform led it from near-death to enough seats to get official recognition in the House. Everybody — everybody! – likes him. At his retirement a poll placed him as the most trusted politician in Canada. Populist, aw-shucks way is endearing but nobody’s patsy. Well versed in Canadian politics and foregin affairs. Has been critical of Conservative Party, post Alliance
Pros: Trusted, bilingual, experienced. Daughter Caroline is with CPAC
Cons: Too nice?
Gen. Lew MacKenzie: (ret’d): Outspoken well known ex military guy with a thing for racing cars. Opened the road to Sarajevo during the 1990s Bosnian war that allowed UN aid to arrive, and opened the airport. Perhaps a bit too large-C Conservative (has run as a federal candidate on occasion) , but would certainly be ramrod smart during official ceremonies, particularly ones involving the military.
Pros: Well known. And if Gen. Romeo Dallaire can be a senator then why not Mac as a GG?
Cons: Maybe a little too partisan and “hellya!” in personality.
Paul Okalik: Played an important role in achieving the 1993 settlement that resulted in the creation of Nunavut in 1999 and participated in its complex implementation. He helped create the Inuit Heritage Trust, the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee, the Nunavut Social Development Council and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. In 1999 he was elected Member for Iqualuit West of the first Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and became Nunavut’s first premier of. He served as Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Justice.
Pros: Inuit — I think he’d be first aboriginal GG. Pretty accomplished resume. Could bring attention to First Nations issues
Cons: Not well known.
Alexa McDonough: Former head of the NDP in Canada but now retired from politics and is head of Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax. Order of Canada. Shows PM might look past former political positions.
Pros: Respected, former head of political party. OC holder
Cons: NDP background might not go over well in certain parts of the country or Parliament.
Don Cherry: Beauty Canadian guy eh? Not afraid to go mixin’ it up along the boards like a good Canadian kid. Wears his maple leaf on his plaid-chequered sleeve. About the only outfit we haven’t seen him wear so far is something with a cocked hat and plume in it with ceremonial sword. Military would love him — he certainly loves them.
Pros: Beauty, eh?
Cons: Might present a problem if visiting Scandinavian countries: (“Prime Minister of Sweden don’t like to mix it up much, eh? Just like those lousy Swedes in the NHL, can’t take a hit. Took a dive first shove.!”)