The new GG

To be honest, I haven't given the new Governor General nominee much thought, apart from thinking 'oh well, here's another cynical political appointment made by Paul Martin, that has nothing to do with appointing someone genuinely qualified, but someone who has been picked to give the Liberals some kind of politcal advantage, and who can give the Liberals a crutch to stand on in Quebec...'....um, well, I guess maybe I did give it a little thought...

Anyway, Madam Jean appears to have been picked for no other reason than that comes from Quebec and fits into the Liberal's utopian vision of the "new" Canada - look! she speaks 5 languages! She's a Haitan immigrant! She's a CBC broadcaster (virtually unknown outside of Quebec)! She may or may not have had seperatist leanings in the past...oops, better keep a lid on that one, eh?

None of this, of course, makes her remotely qualified to be the Queen's representative in Canada, but I guess that does not matter. Other countries fill the position of head of state with persons of accomplishment, people with a broad awareness of the nations history (and constitution). But Canada? Looks like if you work for the CBC, your all set - Rideau Hall awaits!

As usual Andrew Coyne has the best write up on the issue...