(04/05/10) -

Canadians Content with Governor General Jean

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Canada are satisfied with the performance of their governor general, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 57 per cent of respondents approve of the way Michaëlle Jean has handled her duties, while 26 per cent disapprove.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Canada are satisfied with the performance of their governor general, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 57 per cent of respondents approve of the way Michaëlle Jean has handled her duties, while 26 per cent disapprove.

In addition, 43 per cent of respondents support extending Jean’s term for two years, while 40 per cent are opposed.

In 1982, the United Kingdom transferred final legal powers over Canada. The country adopted a new constitution, which includes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Queen Elizabeth II is Canada’s head of state, represented by the governor general.

In August 2005, Canadian prime minister Paul Martin announced that Jean’s appointment as governor general had been "graciously approved" by Queen Elizabeth II. The governor general is largely ceremonial in Canada, but retains the power to dissolve Parliament, dismiss a prime minister, or refuse royal assent to legislation.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in October 2008. The Conservative party—led by Stephen Harper—received 37.6 per cent of the vote, and secured 143 seats in the 308-member lower house. Harper assembled a minority administration. The Tories also earned a minority mandate after the 2006 election, ending more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

In November 2008, the federal government presented its financial update, which included a controversial measure to scrap the existing public financing system for political parties. In December, then Liberal Party leader Stéphane Dion announced that a deal to assemble a coalition government with the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the support of the Bloc Québécois had been reached. Harper then asked Jean to prorogue Parliament until late January 2009, thereby avoiding the opposition’s confidence motion to be put to a vote. The governor general agreed to the prime minister’s request.

Last month, Jean congratulated the Canadian athletes who took part in the Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games, stating, "I applaud the contributions made by every single person involved in these Games. You committed heart and soul to ensuring the athletes were able to perform at their best, and that spectators on-site and watching from around the world were able to appreciate this new page of sports history."

Polling Data

Michaëlle Jean has served as Canada’s Governor General since September 2005. Do you approve or disapprove of Jean’s performance as Governor General?

The term of Governor General Michaëlle Jean will expire this year. Do you support or oppose extending her term for an additional two years?

Complete Poll (PDF)