Michaeelle Jean

[Leafless]

Governor General Michaelle Jean's four day trip to her home country Haiti came to an end yesterday where she was hailed as a hero.

With all the media coverage concerning this trip and commitments made by Michaelle Jean that Canada would help this troubled country including a visit to an electrical plant that was set up with the help of Hydro Quebec, I have a hard time distinguishing whether this trip is personal or official.

Lacking any federal government information concerning this trip I presume it was a private trip.

If it was a private trip who paid for this trip and what authority was given to her to make potential financial commitments on behalf of the federal government and tax payers of Canada.

Even worse from the perpective of citizen's of Haiti it seems they ackowledged her as a political hero and someone as a previous citizen of Haiti was in the positon to do something about the dire conditons in that country.

Is this one of the downsides of what official multi-culturalism has done to Canada.

And that is more precisely, having ones home grown culture overide the importance especially in this case of the importance of bearing the title Governor General of Canada and Canadians which by anyone,s definiton should void personal culture of any importance.

If Michaelle Jean really thought about this aspect she would have considered potential conflicts in political posturing and would not have made the trip initially to avoid possiably embarrassing the federal government.

[Guest Warwick Green]

Lacking any federal government information concerning this trip I presume it was a private trip.

Read the paper. She was there representing the government at the inauguration of the new Haitian President. Anything she said in the way of commitments - I have not heard of any - would have been approved by the PMO.

[Leafless]

Warwick Green

You wrote- " Read the papers. She was there representing the government at the inauguration of the new Haitian President. Anything she said in the way of commitments- I have not heard of any-would have been approved by the PMO."

I do read the papers and the paper I read did not specify initially she was there specifically as an official representing Canada. I did not see any official federal media explanation concerning this trip.

The Ottawa Citizen did report her commitments involving Canadian aid to Haitia.

This job should have gone to someone like Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay.

The responsibilities and themes of the governor general do not include this type of representation.

The GG's responsibilities fall under six major themes:

1- The Crown in Canada

2- Canadian Sovereignty

3-Recogniton of Excellence

4- National Identity

5- National Unity

6- Moral Leadership

This of course included in her duties is acting a 'Head of State' and 'Commander in-Chief of the armed forces.'

If you read my post correctly the onus of my post is concerning 'potential conflict' due to the fact Michaelle Jean was a previous citizen of Haiti and the sheer nature of Haiti being such a troubled country.

There has already been in Canada troubling aspects concering if Michaelle Jean was removed for reason's concerning her separatist views, the Haitian community would rebel.

Cultural identification should not have precedence over individual federal representation at any level.

This could be a root problem with multiculturalism.

[dpwozney]

Governor General Michaelle Jean's four day trip to her home country Haiti came to an end yesterday where she was hailed as a hero.

According to this web page document, the Governor General of Canada is a "corporation sole". A "corporation sole" is defined and recognized as being a corporation.

It is a fiction that a corporation is a person.

"A corporation is a fiction, by definition, ...", according to Patrick Healy in a statement that can be read here.

"A corporation is a 'fiction' as it has no separate existence, no physical body and no 'mind'", according to this presentation by Joanne Klineberg.

[guyser]

Governor General Michaelle Jean's four day trip to her home country Haiti came to an end yesterday where she was hailed as a hero.

Of course she was . What else would one expect?

With all the media coverage concerning this trip and commitments made by Michaelle Jean that Canada would help this troubled country including a visit to an electrical plant that was set up with the help of Hydro Quebec, I have a hard time distinguishing whether this trip is personal or official.

It was both. I would think that obvious. She is a Haitian by birth, she naturally has an affinity to the country. But she found a business reason, or the govt did, to send her to her former home . Seems tempest in a teapot. Now if this thing costs $10M well then I would share your concern.

If it was a private trip who paid for this trip and what authority was given to her to make potential financial commitments on behalf of the federal government and tax payers of Canada.

If it was private then we have no right to know. All we should be concerned about is being told the Govt of CDA did not pay a dime for this trip. I would think that any commitments made would have prior approval from someone high up.

Even worse from the perpective of citizen's of Haiti it seems they ackowledged her as a political hero and someone as a previous citizen of Haiti was in the positon to do something about the dire conditons in that country.

What they think is their business. Of course they see her as a political hero. Why wouldnt they? Not many opportunities to Haitians these days. But if they think she will return as some White Knight who will save them, well they will be disappointed.

Is this one of the downsides of what official multi-culturalism has done to Canada.

No not at all. Why would it?

And that is more precisely, having ones home grown culture overide the importance especially in this case of the importance of bearing the title Governor General of Canada and Canadians which by anyone,s definiton should void personal culture of any importance.

If Michaelle Jean really thought about this aspect she would have considered potential conflicts in political posturing and would not have made the trip initially to avoid possiably embarrassing the federal government.

I certainly dont see it that way. I would bet that former GG's would have an interest to be present on their birthland conducting business on behalf of Canada.

Gov Gen Alexander born in England.Athlone before him born in England.

It is not so much where they go, but what they accomplish and how much they spend. Some of these trips may not show anything for many years, but the seed was sown at some point.

[Topaz]

I'm sure if she has done ANYTHING wrong, the Conservatives will bring it out!!! Sit tight!!

[Figleaf]

If it was a private trip who paid for this trip and what authority was given to her to make potential financial commitments on behalf of the federal government and tax payers of Canada.

She has no authority to make financial commitments. She might announce commitments that the government has told her to speak about. But what commitments are you talking about?

Even worse from the perpective of citizen's of Haiti it seems they ackowledged her as a political hero and someone as a previous citizen of Haiti was in the positon to do something about the dire conditons in that country.

Why's that a problem?

And that is more precisely, having ones home grown culture overide the importance especially in this case of the importance of bearing the title Governor General of Canada and Canadians which by anyone,s definiton should void personal culture of any importance.

You've managed to be both incomprehensible and incoherent.

[Figleaf]

This job should have gone to someone like Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay.

Poppycock. Certainly a foreign affairs minister could go. But attending the inauguration of a foreign president is also certainly within the scope of the duties of a head of state.

[Leafless]

And that is more precisely, having ones home grown culture overide the importance especially in this case of the importance of bearing the title Governor General of Canada and Canadians which by anyone,s definiton should void personal culture of any importance.

You've managed to be both incomprehensible and incoherent.

I will explain it in simple understandable English.

Do you really suppose the citizens of Haiti really care what political significance, Michelle Jean role as GG plays in Canada?

They only see her as an influential person of their own race, that has the potential to pour dollars into Haiti.

This presents a racial conflict into concerning the appointment of a Canadian citizen from a third world country, (into the prestigious position of governor general), who in fact could pressure the government for extra tax payer funds directed to Haiti or some other third world country for whatever reason based on her personal sentiments concerning third world poverty.

I always thought relating her appointment as GG, as being a very poor choice concerning what she has actually accomplished, ( a previous CBC employee), for the betterment of Canadians, as there are other Canadians much more qualified for the position.

[g_bambino]

I will explain it in simple understandable English.

Do you really suppose the citizens of Haiti really care what political significance, Michelle Jean role as GG plays in Canada?

They only see her as an influential person of their own race, that has the potential to pour dollars into Haiti.

This presents a racial conflict into concerning the appointment of a Canadian citizen from a third world country, (into the prestigious position of governor general), who in fact could pressure the government for extra tax payer funds directed to Haiti or some other third world country for whatever reason based on her personal sentiments concerning third world poverty.

I always thought relating her appointment as GG, as being a very poor choice concerning what she has actually accomplished, ( a previous CBC employee), for the betterment of Canadians, as there are other Canadians much more qualified for the position.

I think it's rather ridiculous to think that Mme. Jean would attempt to pressure her government into sending money to Haiti - as the representative of a constitutional monarch she can't get herself directly involved in political decision making (like budgets) unless there's a major abuse of power on the part of the politicians. She can certainly speak with her ministers about affairs in Haiti, and draw their attention to them - as she can do for South Africa, Morocco, Malawi, Algeria, Ghana, Chile, and any of the other countries she's represented Canada in so far - but she has no control over what they advise her to do, or not to do, in return.

There may well be others more qualified for the position of Governor General than the person who currently occupies the office, however, there's nothing to say that those people similarly were not born here. So, it seems the real "issue" being raised isn't to do with Mme. Jean's pre-vice-regal accomplishments, but simply with her place of birth. Are the same criticisms launched against Mme. Clarkson (born in Hong Kong)? Should we be wary of Canadian-born governors general pushing to have more money sent to their province of birth? Can no Canadian born outside our national borders become the vice-regal? Is our Sovereign to be suspected because she was not born here either?

For all the above reasons, it certainly seems absurd to think yes.

[Leafless]

There may well be others more qualified for the position of Governor General than the person who currently occupies the office, however, there's nothing to say that those people similarly were not born here. So, it seems the real "issue" being raised isn't to do with Mme. Jean's pre-vice-regal accomplishments, but simply with her place of birth. Are the same criticisms launched against Mme. Clarkson (born in Hong Kong)? Should we be wary of Canadian-born governors general pushing to have more money sent to their province of birth? Can no Canadian born outside our national borders become the vice-regal? Is our Sovereign to be suspected because she was not born here either?

Let's be clear about Michelle Jean's special qualifications that have helped Canada and Canadians.

They are non-existent. In fact her qualifications are counter productive and a source of dissention relating to her connections with Quebec separatist.

Of course one of the basic requirements should be recognized by any federal government that the person nominated for GG should be born in Canada.

What the Liberals have done to Canada relating to the Queen's representative, have made a mockery out of the process relating to this position with person with a thick foreign accent and not a native to Canada and lacking special qualifications.

The only reason especially related to Quebec and the federal Liberal party of Canada, wish to retain our British system of government is to exploit its political powers, in favour of ruling Canada with the law and courts rather than by the people as the case would be if Canada was a republic.

[Mad_Michael]

Governor General Michaelle Jean's four day trip to her home country Haiti came to an end yesterday where she was hailed as a hero.

Hit the nail on the head here (no doubt you didn't know you were doing that).

Haiti is apparently her "home country". If that is true, send her back to it.

I consider her appointment to be the most hideous of the Martin administration. If she's not born in Canada, she's not a symbol of anything execpt a government pandering votes by appointing her.

I'm all for recognising the contribution of immigrants to this country. But grabbing one fresh off the boat and annointing them to one of the highest and most prestigious offices in all the land is insulting and demeaning to the office and to all Canadians.

With this woman as Governor-General of Canada, I am embarrassed for my country. We are pathetic.

The fact that the woman has no qualifications and has never contributed anything notable to this country is entirely beside the point.

[g_bambino]

Let's be clear about Michelle Jean's special qualifications that have helped Canada and Canadians.

They are non-existent. In fact her qualifications are counter productive and a source of dissention relating to her connections with Quebec separatist.

Of course one of the basic requirements should be recognized by any federal government that the person nominated for GG should be born in Canada.

What the Liberals have done to Canada relating to the Queen's representative, have made a mockery out of the process relating to this position with person with a thick foreign accent and not a native to Canada and lacking special qualifications.

The only reason especially related to Quebec and the federal Liberal party of Canada, wish to retain our British system of government is to exploit its political powers, in favour of ruling Canada with the law and courts rather than by the people as the case would be if Canada was a republic.

But, this wasn't the central concern of your previous posts. You stated:

This presents a racial conflict into concerning the appointment of a Canadian citizen from a third world country, (into the prestigious position of governor general), who in fact could pressure the government for extra tax payer funds directed to Haiti or some other third world country for whatever reason based on her personal sentiments concerning third world poverty.

There is no absolute link between where someone was born and their level of achievement; therefore, if your beef was with her lack of qualification, why the commentary on racial conflicts caused by having a governor general born outside of Canada? And what on earth does her accent have to do with anything? What accent should she have, per chance?

I can understand that we should wish to have competent and experienced people in our executive - but I can't fathom the xenophobic and borderline racist objections to where someone was born, what accent they have, or what they look like - it sounds a lot like the Quebecois pur laine thinking. It's almost as though even if Mme. Jean were to be the most qualified stateswoman ever appointed by the Queen to be her rep, you'd still disparage her because she was born in Haiti and doesn't look or sound "Canadian" enough.

I'm gleaning from your words - though I may be wrong - that you have an admiration for republican government based on the idea that such a system would disallow foreign-born people as head of state, as opposed to the whole Canadian monarchical system that has a "non-Canadian" with an accent as head of state, and further allows another "non-Canadian" with an accent to represent her; Mme. Jean just being the current example, and thus the target of your vitriol. But, I fail to see the connection; ensuring a locally born head of state is not exclusively concurrent with republicanism. Further, what republic isn't governed through law? And, further still, what republic doesn't use its courts?

Frankly, I'd rather not live in a Canada that seems to have been dreamt up by a naïve American child who's frightened by people who don't sound like him.

[g_bambino]

I'm all for recognising the contribution of immigrants to this country. But grabbing one fresh off the boat and annointing them to one of the highest and most prestigious offices in all the land is insulting and demeaning to the office and to all Canadians.

Are you serious? She's been in the country for four decades. How long do you think one has to be here before they're no longer considered fresh off the boat?

[guyser]

Haiti is apparently her "home country". If that is true, send her back to it

I consider her appointment to be the most hideous of the Martin administration. If she's not born in Canada, she's not a symbol of anything execpt a government pandering votes by appointing her.

I'm all for recognising the contribution of immigrants to this country. But grabbing one fresh off the boat and annointing them to one of the highest and most prestigious offices in all the land is insulting and demeaning to the office and to all Canadians.

With this woman as Governor-General of Canada, I am embarrassed for my country. We are pathetic.

The fact that the woman has no qualifications and has never contributed anything notable to this country is entirely beside the point.

What is beside the point is your lack of knowledge about her, obviously. But dont let that stop you from posting.

[Figleaf]

And that is more precisely, having ones home grown culture overide the importance especially in this case of the importance of bearing the title Governor General of Canada and Canadians which by anyone,s definiton should void personal culture of any importance.

You've managed to be both incomprehensible and incoherent.

I will explain it in simple understandable English.

Do you really suppose the citizens of Haiti really care what political significance, Michelle Jean role as GG plays in Canada?

They only see her as an influential person of their own race, that has the potential to pour dollars into Haiti.

This presents a racial conflict into concerning the appointment of a Canadian citizen from a third world country, (into the prestigious position of governor general), who in fact could pressure the government for extra tax payer funds directed to Haiti or some other third world country for whatever reason based on her personal sentiments concerning third world poverty.

I always thought relating her appointment as GG, as being a very poor choice concerning what she has actually accomplished, ( a previous CBC employee), for the betterment of Canadians, as there are other Canadians much more qualified for the position.

Wow. You've managed to be both incomprehensible and incoherent TWICE, despite supposedly trying to clarify your comments. I think racio-cultural paranoia must hamper the language centers of the human brain.

[Figleaf]

What is beside the point is your lack of knowledge about her, obviously. But dont let that stop you from posting.

If lack of knowledge were to stop someone from posting here, we'd never hear from a whole pile of frequent posters.

Pardon me, while I have a dreamy-Homer-Simpson moment imagining the forum without [certain posters who I desist from naming].

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh....

[Mad_Michael]

I'm all for recognising the contribution of immigrants to this country. But grabbing one fresh off the boat and annointing them to one of the highest and most prestigious offices in all the land is insulting and demeaning to the office and to all Canadians.

Are you serious? She's been in the country for four decades. How long do you think one has to be here before they're no longer considered fresh off the boat?

She wasn't born a Canadian and thus I don't like some immigrant being annointed as Governor General. That is a mockery of the office (admittedly, the office is a bit of a joke).

All immigrants are 'just off the boat' by definition. It has nothing to do with time factors. It has everything to do with the fact that they grew up in another culture/country. That's all well and fine, but I want the Governor General to be born in Canada.

[M.Dancer]

All immigrants are 'just off the boat' by definition. It has nothing to do with time factors. It has everything to do with the fact that they grew up in another culture/country. That's all well and fine, but I want the Governor General to be born in Canada.

The tally might be even now, I would have to count again, but a decade ago or so, most GGs were foreign born

[Mad_Michael]

What is beside the point is your lack of knowledge about her, obviously. But dont let that stop you from posting.

Apparently it doesn't stop you.

Fact: She's not born in Canada. My point: she's not born in Canada. So how am I wrong here?

Fact: She has no qualifications for a job with really low qualifications. My point: she lacks qualifications. So how am I wrong here?

[Mad_Michael]

If lack of knowledge were to stop someone from posting here, we'd never hear from a whole pile of frequent posters.

Pardon me, while I have a dreamy-Homer-Simpson moment imagining the forum without [certain posters who I desist from naming].

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh....

Apparently Figleaf has a reputation for being uncivil.

Either that or it affects this whole forum site (a view I'm beginning to be inclined towards).

[Charles Anthony]

but I want the Governor General to be born in Canada.

Why?

[M.Dancer]

Yep...furrenors still lead yepper....19 to 8

The first Canadian Born was Massey 52-59

The last Canadian Born was Romeo LeBlanc

[guyser]

She wasn't born a Canadian and thus I don't like some immigrant being annointed as Governor General. That is a mockery of the office (admittedly, the office is a bit of a joke).

All immigrants are 'just off the boat' by definition. It has nothing to do with time factors. It has everything to do with the fact that they grew up in another culture/country. That's all well and fine, but I want the Governor General to be born in Canada.

And the fact that plenty of GG's were foreign born is no concern for you ? Or do you want to focus on this one only.

I thought so.

Thus my earlier post.

[guyser]

Fact: She has no qualifications for a job with really low qualifications. My point: she lacks qualifications. So how am I wrong here?

What are the qualifications?