Big Guy Posted May 1, 2015 Report Posted May 1, 2015 When a Canadian Prime Minister leaves office, there is really no precedent of what his responsibility may be. John Chretien has just visited Putin and the current Harper government is not pleased. It also demands to know what was discussed. http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/chretien-and-putin-met-thursday-and-now-the-harper-government-wants-to-know-what-they-talked-about It is reported that Chretien was at this meeting representing the InterAction Council of Former World Leaders, a group of ex-heads of government. That organization stated that Chretien was there representing their organization to gather material for the council's deliberations on relations with Russia in June, 2015. My question is what role and/or responsibility does a former PM have to the current government of Canada? In most democratic countries, a former leader disappears into some charity oblivion and becomes available only for photo ops. I personally do not agree with the position that Harper has taken on Ukraine and Putin but am uncomfortable with the Chretien visit. While Chretien is representing an autonomous and neutral group, he can be seen as representing Canadian views. That is not fair to the sitting government. What do you think is the role and responsibility of former Canadian Prime Ministers? Quote Note - For those expecting a response from Big Guy: I generally do not read or respond to posts longer then 300 words nor to parsed comments.
guyser Posted May 1, 2015 Report Posted May 1, 2015 What do you think is the role and responsibility of former Canadian Prime Ministers?Whatever the hell they want it to be. Quote
On Guard for Thee Posted May 1, 2015 Report Posted May 1, 2015 (edited) When they step out of the office for the final time, they become private citizens free to pursue whatever endeavour they wish, within the laws of the land of course. Edited May 1, 2015 by Charles Anthony deleted re-copied Opening Post Quote
jacee Posted May 1, 2015 Report Posted May 1, 2015 (edited) He's not there representing Canadians views. He's there collecting information for a voluntary organization. Harper can just get over his petty 'I am the dictator' temper tantrums and grow up. . Edited May 1, 2015 by Charles Anthony deleted re-copied Opening Post Quote
Moonlight Graham Posted May 1, 2015 Report Posted May 1, 2015 Whatever the hell they want it to be. Ditto. Quote "All generalizations are false, including this one." - Mark Twain Partisanship is a disease of the intellect.
The_Squid Posted May 2, 2015 Report Posted May 2, 2015 (edited) I don't know what this group that Chretien is part of is concerned with, but he can do whatever he wants. Are they a group of ex-world leaders striving for peace? Then great! Are they trying to make money for their corporate backers by trying to appease despots? Then they're dirtbags. Edited May 2, 2015 by The_Squid Quote
PIK Posted May 15, 2015 Report Posted May 15, 2015 Maybe he can do what he wants , but if he says stuff that hurts this country or even the PM, then he should be called to the carpet. I can just imagine if it was the other way around . Quote Toronto, like a roach motel in the middle of a pretty living room.
Je suis Omar Posted May 16, 2015 Report Posted May 16, 2015 (edited) When a Canadian Prime Minister leaves office, there is really no precedent ... I personally do not agree with the position that Harper has taken on Ukraine and Putin but am uncomfortable with the Chretien visit. While Chretien is representing an autonomous and neutral group, he can be seen as representing Canadian views. That is not fair to the sitting government. What do you think is the role and responsibility of former Canadian Prime Ministers? Where is that much vaunted freedom of speech and freedom of association? Edited May 16, 2015 by Je suis Omar Quote
Je suis Omar Posted May 16, 2015 Report Posted May 16, 2015 Chrétien is probably apologizing to the people of Russia, thru Putin, for harper's cowardly, hypocritical behavior. Quote
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