I have just turned off the TV – today’s Question Period live from our beloved Parliament – as I am almost ashamed to be a Canadian, seeing the self-power-centered circus that our just-elected politicians are putting on for the entertainment (or dismay) of the entire world.
So I have done my civic duty, and written to the Governor General to express my opinion (although I – and millions of other Canadians – expressed it just a few weeks ago). I am not going to ramble on about this issue, but am simply posting that letter here:
Her Excellency
the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General of Canada
Excellency,
As a Canadian citizen and active voter, I wish to express my opinion on the question of replacing the results of a duly called election, just six weeks ago, with an upstart “coalition” of the parties whom the Canadian people clearly indicated they do not feel are worthy of governing at this time.
Personally, I am not a party-bound voter. I cast my ballot after careful consideration of the policies and platforms of the different parties, the reputations and experience of the candidates running locally, the needs of the nation of Canada at the current time, the past behavior of both parties and candidates, and so forth. Therefore, I assure you, I am not simply writing this letter because I think one party is superior to another. I am writing because I cannot accept an underhanded “power grab” when the Canadian people have just spoken clearly on their preference for present governance of the nation.
It seems clear that this proposed coalition is not, as is claimed by its signatories, in the interests of the Canadian people in the face of a national and international economic crisis. Rather, more and more evidence points to a plan that has been in the works for an extended period of time to overthrow the will of the people, if that will should not be in the personal interests of the three parties to the proposed coalition.
Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to imagine how three parties with such divergent political ideals could have any hope of actually working together for even 18 months, never mind for the four years it is hoped a federal government should be in power. It is only by, in effect, placing a “gag order” on the consciences and wills of the individual Members of Parliament (and thereby, on the millions of Canadian citizens whom they, as elected parliamentarians, are duty-bound to represent) that the leaders of the three parties have even been able to come to agreement on “working together” for this limited time period.
I am disappointed in the irresponsible and self-centered behavior of all of the political parties involved, both the governing party and the proposed coalition parties. I know you face a difficult decision; but in the end, you are Governor General of a nation that proclaims itself a democracy. Every Canadian school child is taught that democratic governance is “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Although a new general election, or at least a referendum, would be costly, and although with current economic conditions, time is of the essence, I believe that you really have only two choices: 1. accept the voice of the Canadian people as they have already spoken; OR 2. allow the Canadian people to speak again, as soon as possible.
I trust that your decision will be made purely on the behalf of the Canadian people.
Yours truly,
Norma J. Hill
