Ceremonial Duties
As part of the ceremonial role, the Governor General receives dignitaries and heads of state, represents the government at a variety of artistic, scientific, and sport events, and may use the office to support charities or other worthy endeavours. In theory, these duties could be carried out by the Prime Minister but the Governor General is seen as a more neutral, non-partisan figure, better suited to representing all Canadians. Moreover, the position of Prime Minister already involves a heavy workload. In addition, having these activities carried out by the Governor General separates “pomp from power” and that is a healthy distinction. [The lack of such a distinction has long been evident in the U.S., where great deference has always been shown to the office of President. After four years of Donald Trump, however, respect for the office has doubtless declined considerably.]
Discretionary Duties
The discretionary powers of the Governor General are remnants of the prerogative power of the Crown and they reflect the notion that the Queen is to act as the guardian of the constitution and protector of the public interest. It is, for example, the Governor General’s responsibility to ensure that we always have a Prime Minister in office and a government in power. Election results are not always clear-cut and it sometimes falls to the Governor General to consider whether another election is warranted or whether another political party should be given an opportunity to form a government. In 1979, for example, Joe Clark formed a minority government. Based on past precedents (which I will spare you), the conventional wisdom was that the Clark Government would need to survive more than six months to be entitled to call an election and seek a new mandate. As it happened, the government lasted nine months after which Clark’s request for an election was granted – not that the result did him any good.
The Governor General also provides a valuable safeguard if a Prime Minister should die in office. In such a situation, the Governor General would confer with the political party of the deceased PM, appoint its nominee as interim PM, and give the party the necessary time to hold a convention and select a new head of the party and PM. This process allows for the careful consideration of the best person for the unexpected job opening.
In contrast, consider the way this issue is handled in the American system which, sadly, has had a President die in office eight times (by assassination on four of those occasions). The Vice-President automatically assumes the office of President in such situations. But, U.S. Vice-Presidents have often been chosen to “balance the ticket” not because they were the second best person to assume the presidency. As a result, we faced the possibility of President Dan Quayle (remember him?) or (potentially) President Sarah – you betcha – Palin. Such examples make the Canadian way seem infinitely preferable.
So, in spite of the controversy surrounding the recently departed Governor General, this position continues to play an important role in the Canadian system of government. It should be filled in a timely fashion, after what one presumes will be a more rigorous vetting of potential candidates.