(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in Canada hold differing views on the existence of a Governor General in the country, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 33 per cent of respondents would keep the appointed position, 22 per cent would prefer to elect the Governor General, and 31 per cent believe the position should be abolished.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in Canada hold differing views on the existence of a Governor General in the country, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 33 per cent of respondents would keep the appointed position, 22 per cent would prefer to elect the Governor General, and 31 per cent believe the position should be abolished.
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.
On Jul. 8, Harper appointed David Johnston, who served as president of the University of Waterloo, as Canada’s new Governor General. Harper declared: "Mr. Johnston has a strong record of public service, a broad base of support and an impressive list of achievements. He has extensive legal expertise, a comprehensive understanding of government and a deep appreciation of the duties and tasks now before him."
Johnston will take over from Jean on Oct. 1.
Polling Data
Which of these statements comes closest to your own point of view?
|
Jul. 2010
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Apr. 2010
|
|
|
Canada should keep the position of Governor General, and it should continue to be an appointed position
|
33%
|
29%
|
|
Canada should keep the position of Governor General, but Canadians should elect the person who will serve in this position
|
22%
|
22%
|
|
Canada should not have a Governor General at all
|
31%
|
38%
|
|
Not sure
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13%
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11%
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Source: Angus Reid Public Opinion
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,003 Canadian adults, conducted on Jul. 12 and Jul. 13, 2010. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
