Canada's new Governor General Michaelle Jean was sworn in this week.
Jean was born in Haiti, and is now a resident of Quebec. Since Ontario-born Vincent Massey was first appointed Governor General in 1952, governor generals have hailed from Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. Outgoing Governor General Adrienne Clarkson was born in Hong Kong, and lived most of her life in Ontario.
Do you sense a pattern here? Our local MP certainly has.
John Reynolds spoke out this week encouraging the next prime minister to consider looking out west for the next GG.
There has never been a British Columbian appointed to the post, and it's high time that fact is changed.
Reynolds raises a good point.
During the last federal election it was suggested on more than one occasion by several people that the West Coast, namely British Columbia, is ignored. The East is the beast, while the west is the weak sister. So how about next time around, we think about a few prominent British Columbians for the position?
Rick Hansen, Iona Campagnola, the current Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Ñ heck, even Lui Passaglia are just a few names on our short list.
Choosing a governor general should not be a partisan affair. While we have a lot of respect for all the governor generals who have served the post well, it would be nice to see a little balance in the selections.
Show some respectSpeaking of respect, it seems some people need a refresher course on the subject.
Last Wednesday night at the latest Gibsons restructure committee meeting, a few people turned hostile towards a presenter and the committee.
There is some suggestion that the RCMP may have to attend the next meeting just to keep the peace. That's absurd.
Have some respect for the process. Be involved and stay informed. And respect the fact that someone has a different view and don't fly off the handle if you're not getting your way.
We live in a civilized society Ñ have some common sense next time and act accordingly.
