The Hour: Michaelle Jean

[gundamWWW]

The most useless Governor General in Canadian History.

1. She let Stephen Harper Prorogue Parliament when he was supposed to face a confidence vote

2. She let him do it again 1 year later WITH A SIMPLE PHONE CALL

3. She refused to take action when Police officer CHRIS GARRETT was murdered by a criminal and was inelegible for a Special Award.

She did absolutely nothing until there was public outcry.

She was the worst governor General because she was unable to stand up for principles.

[Beroean30]

And its not about whose name appears on a piece of paper. Thats usually a seal that her secretary signs not actually hers personally. Its all about who has the authority to deploy the forces. The President of the uS can deploy forces when needed, the Canadian throne nor the GG can do this. Troops are deployed by the PM and he doesn't need anyone's permission. At least for the US the PRez may deploy but Congress has to agree to fund the campaign. Talk about a check and balance.

[Beroean30]

Actually the GG only signs things because she is suppose to . Its the same as the Monarch of Canada. They dont have veto or dis-allowance powers like the President of the United States or other countries do. They are at the whim of the PM and Parliament of Canada. If the PM wants something signed or someone appointed, they do it. Neither role has any real power. They are puppets of Cabinet. Also the GG is CinC of the CF in her own right. Thats the constitution

[Robis2349]

no Governor general should overstep their role & do the things she did, eg: haiti, africa, etc.. Sure those are great causes, but it has nothing to do with what the Canadian GG's purpose is.

Anyone can think what they want, but after 5 years, I am not impressed.. Once associated with the separatist movement., pushing Haiti's issues over & over. People flying Haitian flags when she 1st got in. She is more Haitian than Canadian, not sure that's the best option for a GG. Clarkson was better.

[Storm3Ryder]

@Robis2349

You forgot the part where she prorogued Parliament for that jackass Steven Harper he should of lost that day, instead he gets a second chance WHICH HE SHOULD HAVE. He's a snake, just look how easily he swayed Dalton McGinty with that bullshit Harmonized Sales Tax.

Summarizing Steven Harper is easy, he wants to be American and is willing to transform our government to theirs to do it.

[Robis2349]

@Storm3Ryder You make some good points. Although regardless of that decision in todays govn't it's really a redundant role. McGuinty is likely more to blame over the HST. People in Ontario should protest like those in BC.

I wouldn't go that far in criticizing Harper, although I have my own critiques on that guy..

[Storm3Ryder]

@Robis2349

Yeah, the general public isn't aware on what there voting for. Take Brian Malroony for example, during his campaign we was like I'm introducing GST and people pretty much ignored it. When his party was elected and THEN they introduced it people are like

I DIDN'T VOTE FOR THIS WTF! MORE TAXES! THIS IS STUPID!

They have to realize what the party there voting for stands for. I personally would vote for the Libs again, they know what there doing, which is usually Keynesian Law.

[Robis2349]

@Storm3Ryder True, Mulroony was a prick, so is his son, that fool on CTV who got the job due to his last name.

I've come to the point where I just don't vote any more. I'd vote Liberal again myself if they ever get themselves together again. The current batch of Liberals is not the Liberal party I once liked.

[Storm3Ryder]

@Robis2349

I completely agree with you, none of them have have vision. We need better people in government or the Conservatives are going to run right all over us, in time we'll be in the same boats as the Americans: an Neo-Fascist state.

[garycalgary]

I really didn't like her bossy attitude when she was hosting that CBC show Rough cuts. 

As Governor General though I like her

[meishivom]

Cool interview !!!

[stucco001]

a former media conglomerate is the leader of canada.... sad

[WestCanuckistan]

@stucco001 What does her past as a journalist have to do with anything? Paul Martin was the CEO of a shipping company before becoming Prime Minister of Canada.

[stucco001]

you think paul martin was a good candidate for his job (PM) as well? these people are running this country into the ground... enough said?

[WestCanuckistan]

@stucco001 Who then, who is a good candidate?

[stucco001]

@WestCanuckistan not these corporate minded, screw the people make money mofos, its all business to them, and government is the ultimate insider trading sceem to these people , ultimatly the ideal candidate would be someone who dosent want the position... but im at a loss for individual, the government works for use, not the other way around as it is turing out as of late

[ccheng21]

She is such a beautiful and lovely woman. It broke my heart when Haiti suffered that horrible earthquake and seeing her excellency weeping in public at the horrors that happened in Haiti.

[Rotebuehl1]

This is wonderful!

This is brilliant!

This is grand!

This is normal!

...at least!

[harvest34]

I did not think that insist was still legal until I saw your comment. Tell your Uncle Grandpa I said hello.

[HowardGalganov]

She struggles so much to prove she is useful. I'm trying to believe it but it's just too hard,.

The Role of the Governor General is to place this World into perfect order. She needs a plan and to be very courageous in defying this wolrd greatest powers.

[ADayWithAndrew]

so refreshing to hear someone speak truth about the condition of the First Nations people and give a damn.

[Jamalama123]

shes haitian

[macnos]

@Jamalama123 She's not Haitian. She's a Canadian of Haitian descent, there's a difference.

[marcosso2007]

the guy annoys me... ZERO professionalism

[WestCanuckistan]

@marcosso2007

Get your head out of your ass, it's informality. Professionalism is not equated with formality. It's also a good way to keep young canadians interested in Canadian Politics.

[marcosso2007]

@WestCanuckistan oh yeah... true professionalism is not associated with formality... my country has very high ranked incompetents regardless

[garycalgary]

@WestCanuckistan

sarcastic piece of garbage and a waste of human skin you are

[WestCanuckistan]

@garycalgary HAHAHA, Sure thing Gary. Who the FUCK are you to decide if I am a waste of human skin? And I don't recall using any sarcasm you backwards fuck.

[SimbiMakaya]

She was born and lived in Haiti until she was 11 years old, when her parents went into exile in Canada. I believe that would make her Haitian, although now she has taken the Canadian nationality. Being a Canadian of Haitian descent is quite different...

[jagislaqroo]

Bravo, Mme Jean. Except: the Governor General has not, is not, and will never be Canada's head of state.

[kaqchikel]

Our Head of State is Her Majesty the Queen. God save the Queen!

[Petethebatman]

Absolutely love Michaelle Jean. One of my favourite Canadians.. she represents every single Canadian well.

[Robis2349]

I disagree, she's ok and she represents some Canadians well, others have issues with her separatist past relations, as well as what seems to be stronger emotional ties to he native country.

Understandadly she was upset about the Hatian earthquake, yet no real GG would shed a tear in front of the media, it's kinda like rule #1 of the leaders handbook .

Media celebrities should not be brought into the role of the GG. Even so, Adrienne Clarkson, Romeo LeBlanc, Hnatyshyn & Sauve were better.

[marc198706]

have u actually read this handbook or u just skipped the one on human relations? and adrienne clarkson was a journalist...just sayin

[324wilson]

She is the best GG since 1960s.

Long live our monarchy...

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!!!

[RedWingedAngel7]

I agree with jademm, PETA can go f*** themselves.

Michaelle Jean > Pamela Anderson

[litafanforlife]

I really like her as our Governor General

[DangerKlose]

To hell with Queen Elizabeth, I want Queen Michaelle Jean.

[daveydoran]

GOD ENSLAVE THE QUEEN

[aczwie]

Who's the spooky boy? Down with the Queen and GG.

[drunkenboxer4]

It's so ironic that the best politician in the country was never even elected. She's amazing!

[pinkm0on]

She's selling herself. Canadians do not get the chance to get to know her as a person, rather she is seen as an icon... She's using this interview to allow Canadians to get to know her. Lovely.

[fropen]

She's hot!

[Mohamedjawara]

I LOVE HER SO MUCH

[CJDiggs]

Our Gov-Gen's a hottie yo

[lovergurlz10001]

such a well spoken lady.

[ReganHuang]

I visited the Governor General's home on my Grade 8 Ottawa Trip...she wasn't home..she was at The Hour.. :)

[MJMyrna]

Great interview with a great lady.

[TrinityCTStud]

wow, what a great woman.

[matoumtl]

I'm kinda disappointed. I really thought she was gonna drop the usual official/political rethoric and language for a much more casual interview. She's selling Canada to Canadians, weird...

[1Cyberangels]

C'est incroyable!! Unbelievable!!

People nag about the seal gourmet choice, while our soldiers get killed for a totally useless war... none of the Afghani wants us there trying to change their ways of life about respecting women anyways!!

[Hadogei123456789]

Guhhh, down with the monarchy! Root for a Canadian Democratic Republic!

[riopella]

i hope she gets some form of extended term. Definitely honourable to represent Canadians to the world.

[supadupamarioguy21]

PETA won't be too happy about this...

but yeah, very cool story

[jademm]

PETA can go eff itself. Really.

Mme. Jean is very articulate, thoughtful and composed. She genuinely loves people (and of course, very beautiful in appearance). It's a pity that there aren't many politicians like her.

[Robis2349]

@jademm Hmmm get your facts right. She's not a politician, she's a journalist. In fact she was so unaware of certain constitutional laws with the GG role she was regularly consulted by seasoned politicians/lawyers, etc.. on important matters. The new guy is supposed to be more aware of all these elements of procedure.

[jademm]

@Robis2349

The role of Governor-General, while not an elected position (like an MP), operates within the POLITICAL realm. Prime ministers are consulted ALL THE TIME by various ministers, senior bureaucrats, lawyers, various experts, etc. on many issues. Having consultation doesn't necessarily imply that a leader is woefully ignorant. It could demonstrate careful evaluation of a sitation. Anyway, I still believe Mme. Jean brought dignity to her office and I'll surely miss her.

[jademm]

@Robis2349

Secondly, I never said that she was a politician. I was referring to my perception that there aren't many politicians that demonstrate the same positive qualities as her. Michaelle Jean was dearly respected and adored by many Canadians. That is a fact you cannot ignore.

[Robis2349]

@jademm Yes, respected by some, while others were all too aware that she over stepped the boundaries of what a GG's role is. eg: Many Canadians involved in the military took offense to the fact she on occasion wore Canadian military outfits. I disagree about the dignity aspect you mention. Sure she did a decent job, however in Canada dignity to me means always being true to Canadian causes/situations first, far ahead of foreign obligations, eg: Haiti. She left that impression with many.

[jademm]

@Robis2349

The Governor General is Canada's Commander-in-Chief. As such, she had the right to wear a military outfit in line with that office.

Are you suggesting that all Canadians, including Mme. Jean, who showed compassion to the victims of the Haitian earthquake were unpatriotic and had askewed priorities? "Canadian dignity" is defined by the compassion we Canadians exercise both at home and abroad. Mme. Jean does not restrict her humanity to stay within Canadian borders.

[Robis2349]

@jademm True, yet it's considered by some in the military to be very disrespectful towards their duty, I'm only going by what I've read in military forums. Believe me, there are plenty of people that hold this view. Her wearing the uniforms in reality is more showcasing than patriotism, although some could look at it either way.

I'm not suggesting that at all. Jean can show her humanity worldwide, that's fine, yet Canada should be first. Don't turn this into something it isn't

[jademm]

@Robis2349

Where does the suspicion about Jean's failure to "put Canada first" come from? You or those people on the military forums? You say you're "neutral" about the uniform controversy so why do you care about their opinions on the matter? Unless...you happen to SHARE their sentiments on some level? BTW, is the Afghan mission an example of "putting Canada first"?

[Robis2349]

@jademm again you are taking my words out of context.. I don't care about the opinions, I'm just stating what's been said. I suspect some military people have issues with the fact that a non soldier without training is wearing a uniform that defines them. Ask someone in the military not me. No GG has done that before.

Afghan mission is a f'in tragedy, certainly not putting Canada first. Canadian soliders being killed, and in the end not a damn thing is going to change there.

[drillman9]

@Robis2349 Actually your statement that no GG has ever worn the uniform before is wrong. I know what you mean, but watch what you say.

And as Commander-in-Chief of the Canadain Forces, she holds the military rank of Governor General, and therefore is entitled to wear the uniform, and wear the Canadian Forces Decoration as well as the Order of Military Merit. If knew anything about the military you would shut your mouth and accept it for what it is.

[Robis2349]

@drillman9

That's nice that you think that. Obviously you don't understand how some in the military feel about this, and how important it is to EARN something. Even the new GG shouldn't be doing thism regardless of being the so called "Commander-in-Chief of the Canadain Forces" which today means virtually nothing other that a ceremonial role.

So perhaps you are the one who should be shutting your mouth, and understand what real military go through. Or ask some off record ya fool.

[drillman9]

@Robis2349 Its not what I think, its what I know. Its in Canadian law.

The GG signs every officer's commissioning scrolls enabling them to be officers. The GG is the authority on awarding medals and honours. The GG also plays a large role in raising or maintaining the moral of CF members. Every member of the CF swears allegiance to Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, who is represented by the GG. Like it or hate it, we have a governor general, and that is law.

PS: I'm in the military.

[Robis2349]

@drillman9 yeah I know & understand all that & have spoken to many in the military that have varying opinions on the very issues I brought up. People are allowed to have personal opinions, some will like it, some won't, others won't care. As you must be aware the role is more symbolic now than it was at its beginnings. Sure it's good to have a GG, it's a great part of Canadian history. Yet, boundaries should be over stepped in terms of the role/duty of the GG.

[Robis2349]

@Robis2349  Meant "should not be over stepped"

[jademm]

@Robis2349

Michaelle Jean GAVE UP her dual (French) citizenship and chose to only have a Canadian one. She has travelled to every province and territory in the country and proudly represented Canada abroad. She interacted with Canadians of different regions and backgrounds. For you to suggest that she's compromised in her committment to Canada is insulting. BTW, Canada's involvement with Haiti existed long before Mme. Jean's governorship. Thanks for acknowledging her decent performance.

[Robis2349]

@jademm For you to bring this to a level of suggesting I said that is insulting to all Canadians. I never said she compromised her commitment, etc.. That's just ignorant for you to say. She did over step her boundaries and this is a known fact, don't shoot the messenger, many people hold this opinion.

No one person can have two masters so to speak. She may be Canadian but her priority is obviously with Haiti. And that's fine. Yet she can do that on her own accord.

[Robis2349]

@jademm I don't deny she didn't have a good performance, etc.. However many aspects of it seemed to be rather opportunistic to perhaps enhance further roles once she was done being the GG.

You should really read up on the uniform thing, there are plenty of people pissed about that. I'm not in the military so I'm neutral on it, but it did turn plenty of people off. I can understand why. Might as well been a Halloween outfit. If you don't put in the training, don't wear the uniform some think.

[jademm]

@Robis2349

It seems that G-G's are "damned if they do; damned if they don't". If Mme. Jean appeared stiff and regal, some would complain she's "out of touch with ordinary Canadians". If she engages with common people too often or lends her voice to the disenfranchised (e.g battered women), she's "outstepping her role". Of course, there are those who want to eliminate the role of G-G altogether and turn Canada into a republic. She just can't please everyone.

[jademm]

@Robis2349

Using words like "opportunistic" and "showcasing" to describe Mme. Jean's actions as G-G indicates the cynical OPINIONS of those who judge her, not facts. She's the type of person who's not afraid to show her feelings and does not act stoic all the time (and that's why many people ADMIRE her). She identifies (or tries to identify in a symbolic way) with the people she interacts. Some may appreciate the gesture, some may not. What matters is her HEART.

[Robis2349]

@jademm "opportunistic" and "showcasing" is certainly what she's done on more than one occasion. She's done other great things, no question about it, yet "opportunistic" and "showcasing" are certainly words that alot of people associate with her. Clarkson did to some degree the same thing, but in no way close to how Jean exploited the situation. Again, I don't take away the fact that she did some great things..

[magoons41]

She makes me proud to be Canadian.

[Robis2349]

@magoons41 Not me..

[kelseywall]

What a great ambasador for Canadian culture.