Air Jean - Extravagant GG in the news again

[August1991]

Jean used the plane to make official visits across Canada and to Italy, Haiti and El Salvador. Only one trip was for personal travel -- a family March-break trip to the Bahamas -- requiring the jet to make two separate trips to return the aircraft to Ottawa and go back to fetch Jean's family a week later.

Jean's spokesman Randy Mylyk said the GG rides the Challenger for security reasons.

"It's always been a security advantage; the RCMP has requested domestic and international travel by the Challenger," he said. "One can ultimately override, I would say, and go against the recommendation of the RCMP. But no, that is not done -- both the prime minister and the Governor General follow the security recommendations of the RCMP."

Adam Taylor, a spokesman for the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation, called it "business as usual" at Rideau Hall since the days of Adrienne Clarkson, who was criticized for extravagant spending.

"I think if you're in an office that largely has to be supported by the taxpayers that you would limit your family vacations," he said. "To veil that under a security clearance issue -- I don't think taxpayers will buy that."

Ottawa Sun

If patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel, national security is the first basis of a brief.

Maybe Jean will get away with this but who remembers Otto Lang? This is the kind of thing that Canadians get incensed about. (And frankly, she is probably more secure on a commercial flight and unlike the PM, her scheduling simply doesn't justify a private jet.)

Something else. She hasn't even been GG for a year so why is she taking a vacation in the Bahamas? If I were her, I would take every vacation I had as GG connected in some way with Canadians, preferably in Canada. The job has many perks but it also carries a 24 hour obligation.

[jbg]

If I were her, I would take every vacation I had as GG connected in some way with Canadians, preferably in Canada. The job has many perks but it also carries a 24 hour obligation.

Tuktuyotok (sp) is nice this time of year.

Or she could travel to the Turks & Caicos, which has been proposed to join NS or become an eleventh province.

[Wilber]

I think you can make a case for the head of government and the head of state not flying commercial, the question is how much travel is excessive. The Queen and probably the Prince of Wales use the Royal Flight but ther rest of her kids fly commercial, even on official business.

[August1991]

I think you can make a case for the head of government and the head of state not flying comeercial, the question is how much travel is excessive. The Queen and probably the Prince of Wales use the Royal Flight but ther rest of her kids fly commercial, even on official business.

Harper is simply too busy and needs to work in flight. He has to travel with enough people to justify a Challenger. He also has too many constraints to add in the logistics of commercial schedules.

I frankly don't think that can be said about any other politician in Ottawa with the possible exception of International Trade and Foreign Affairs.

The GG has no constraints to speak of, and let's be honest, she's no more a security risk than you or I - and certainly not of the same risk magnitude as the Queen. At most, the GG needs a handler or two to avoid embarrassment.

But my point concerned optics. About eight months after she becomes GG, she uses a Challenger to take a week-long vacation to the Bahamas (aside from all her other Challenger travel). IMV, that's unwise.

Jean's appointment was controversial, to say the least. Her husband still has unclear loyalties and she herself has never stated how she voted in the 1995 referendum - hiding behind the principle of a secret ballot (as if that principle should apply to the Head of State).

If I were her, I'd be going far beyond a simple call to duty. I would not be taking vacations in the Bahamas, and not in a Challenger. If she's going to represent Canada, she should do it in a way that's comfortable to Canadians.

Incidentally, symbolism may be BS sometimes, but I happen to think that these kinds of symbols matter.

[Wilber]

The GG has no constraints to speak of, and let's be honest, she's no more a security risk than you or I - and certainly not of the same risk magnitude as the Queen. At most, the GG needs a handler or two to avoid embarrassment.

From a practical point of view I agree, however it would be quite a coup for a terrorist or other loony if they could bump off a head of state, even a symbolic one. Even more so if they could kidnap one and hold them hostage. Particularly now that we are taking an active part in a war. As in shooting to kill.

[gerryhatrick]

What is your objection, specifically?

And do you object to PM Steve taking a private jet for the "ultimate boys night out" to see game six in Edmonton as well?

I've always wondered why people b1tch about our nations leaders using private airplanes to get from place to place. Do you think anyone in the US b1tches about the President doing it? It's just partisan sniping.

[gerryhatrick]

But my point concerned optics. About eight months after she becomes GG, she uses a Challenger to take a week-long vacation to the Bahamas (aside from all her other Challenger travel). IMV, that's unwise.

Ok well then I guess you will shortly be b1tching about Harpers trip to Edmonton to see game six then.

[g_bambino]

Jean used the plane to make official visits across Canada and to Italy, Haiti and El Salvador. Only one trip was for personal travel -- a family March-break trip to the Bahamas -- requiring the jet to make two separate trips to return the aircraft to Ottawa and go back to fetch Jean's family a week later.

Jean's spokesman Randy Mylyk said the GG rides the Challenger for security reasons.

"It's always been a security advantage; the RCMP has requested domestic and international travel by the Challenger," he said. "One can ultimately override, I would say, and go against the recommendation of the RCMP. But no, that is not done -- both the prime minister and the Governor General follow the security recommendations of the RCMP."

Adam Taylor, a spokesman for the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation, called it "business as usual" at Rideau Hall since the days of Adrienne Clarkson, who was criticized for extravagant spending.

"I think if you're in an office that largely has to be supported by the taxpayers that you would limit your family vacations," he said. "To veil that under a security clearance issue -- I don't think taxpayers will buy that."

Ottawa Sun

The fact that she travelled on the government jet is incidental - she is the representative of the Queen, the second highest person in the strata of the Canadian government, and is indeed advised by the RCMP to travel on private aircraft for better security. On top of this, she needs quick access back to Canada should there be some kind of government crisis which requires her presence - she's Governor General 24/7; it's not a part time job.

As for why she's on vacation so early into her time as Goveror General, it's most likely because Marie-Eden was off school for March break and the family took off for a holiday like so many other Canadian families do around the same time of year. I guess the only question that could be asked is: why didn't she vacation in Canada (even if it was March)?

[jbg]

I guess the only question that could be asked is: why didn't she vacation in Canada (even if it was March)?

Churchill, Manitoba's beaches are very nice in March. Same with Moosonee, Ontario's.