The purpose of this dissertation is to examine and explain the legal and ceremonial functions of the Canadian Governor General. As a matter of fact, since the creation of this title in 1867, the roles of the Governor General have evolved greatly over the years. Assigned the role by the Queen of England, this individual possesses many powers that contribute massively to the functioning of the country of Canada.
First of all, it is important to understand that one of the ceremonial roles of the Canadian Governor General is to read the throne speech at the outset of every parliament session. This speech is given to individuals seated at the Parliament such as the Senators and the members of the House of Commons. In fact, this lecture that is composed by ministers, includes statements on the condition of the nation and more precisely, explains the intentions and future plans of the government of Canada. Finally, either the Governor General or the Queen of England can read the
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Prerogative powers have their roots in common law and were first defined by Albert Venn Dicey, “as the residue of discretionary or arbitrary authority which at any given time is legally left in the hands of the Crown” (The Royal Prerogative and the Office of Lieutenant Governor, 2000). These powers were then transferred on a federal level to the Governor General with the Letters of Patent issued in 1947. In upholding these Prerogative powers, the governor general has the right to designate the Prime minister and his cabinet ministers and of ambassadors, sign settlements, declare war and the right to discontinue, assemble or dissipate parliament (The Royal Prerogative and the Office of Lieutenant Governor, 2000). To illustrate the use of these prerogatives or reserve powers, it is essential to evaluate Micheal Jean’s situation
Throughout Canadian history, Canada had always been socially divided. Between the English speaking majority and the French speaking majority. One of Trudeau’s main objective was to erase this separation between these two parties. Firstly, in order to ease tension between the French speaking majority, Trudeau placed a “Official Language Act” in 1969 . This was the first act that English and French the
As a country previously experiencing peace and prosperity to experiencing the “gravest disaster in national history” (Action: The October Crisis of 1970) Prime Minister Trudeau has to make a decision due to the unrest of the populace. The decision to invoke the War Measures Act would be the correct one since it has a ‘just’ cause behind invoking it, enacting the act “was almost
There are countless leaders that changed Canada’s history in both good and bad ways. Some leaders and prime ministers are forgotten as history proceeds. Many tried shaping Canada’s history and changing its reputation. Canada had great leaders that made tremendous benefits to improve their country. However, a very kind man named Richard Bennett became a prime minister in the worse of Canada’s economics situation.
While he was there, Brown changed his attitude about Canada’s future. He learned in London how tired British politicians had grown of their imposing burdens. Brown returned to Canada with new views and commitments. He declared that he had returned “with a better knowledge of public affairs and with a more ardent desire to
In Allan’s Bomb Canada piece it is explored how American rhetoric about the deal leading to Canada’s annexation helped to halt the bill in Canadian parliament, and further assisted in Borden’s victory. Allan shows how many Canadian’s viewed the agreement as a zero-sum game, and they were losing. They believed American influence was to strong and would stifle all attempts of Canadian business to be successful. What the piece and lectures help to highlight is a key aspect of Canadian Identity; Canadians as not Americans. This is a process of distinguishing Canadians from Americans by any means necessary.
Canada is now known to be a diverse, multicultural, bilingual and inclusive nation largely as a result of his work. Pierre Elliott Trudeau also believed in an equal Canada for all, he is primarily the one to introduce rights and freedoms to the citizens of Canada. While some view Pierre Trudeau as impulsive, for enforcing the War Measures Act, Trudeau enacted this for the protection of Canadian citizens against radical extremist and his actions were more rational than impulsive for the situation that had suddenly occurred. Pierre Trudeau was one of Canada’s greatest Prime Minister’s, who’s impact fundamentally changed the course of the nation by introducing multiculturalism, for introducing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and for paradoxically upholding democracy by strong action during the October Crisis.
The monarchy in Canada is a continuous debate among the politicians and individuals. This paper aims to present the advantages and disadvantages of the monarchy in Canada. This way will enable us to take a clear position. First, Canadian politics are known for their divisive attitudes, and it is very hard to get consensus on decisions. The Queen plays the role of reference for the Canadian politicians and their decisions.
To call this era of drastic change the ‘Quiet Revolution’ is a vivid, and yet, paradoxical description. The Quiet Revolution was a time of intense socio-political and socio-cultural change in Quebec, which extended beyond Quebec’s borders because of its influence on contemporary Canadian politics. As a result of the effects of the changes that occurred during this Quiet Revolution, most Quebec provincial governments since the early 1960s have maintained political and social orientations based on the core concepts developed and implemented during the Quiet Revolution. As such, there is no doubt that the Quiet Revolution had a significant impact in Canadian History. This impact can be characterized by the prelude to the Quiet Revolution; the demographic evolution of Quebec; the social educational reforms that were put in place; the economic reforms and their impact; the rise of nationalism; and finally, the cultural changes that occurred.
Institutional and historical analysis often portray the motives of governments, especially in the cases of Quebec separatism and Aboriginal mistreatment. History describes attempts at compromise to rectify the problems by altering political institutions to provide more autonomy to the provinces, witness in various accords and the methods described previously. However, in regards to Aboriginals a historical relationship of exploitation and eradication sheds on the systemic issues that Aboriginals cope with and the institutions that caused them. As scholars of Canadian politics, it is important to consider historical and institutional analyses when looking at any issue, as it reveals the underlying motives of actors in regards to the cleavages that comprise a state.
Today, Canada is seen as a multicultural and peaceful nation that has evolved over the course of history. This great nation would never have been possible without the impact that former Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson left on this country. His achievements and insights profoundly affected and shaped Canada’s nation. First, peacekeeping is an important part of Canada’s heritage and a reflection of its fundamental beliefs that Pearson implemented after dealing with world changing situations and winning a Nobel Prize. Also, his contributions as a liberal leader as well as the flaws and controversy with Diefenbaker did in fact define this country.
William Lyon Mackenzie King, a man of glory, forever changed Canada’s constitution during the tumultuous nineteenth century and resolved all difficulties Canada faced on its way to becoming a strong, independent, and autonomous nation. His contributions and sanctions targeted all factors at the time and had interrelated effects on the construction of Canada. Unlike other Canadian politicians, King handled every crisis with thorough planning and achieved promising outcomes from unsolvable problems. It is without a doubt that King was the most influential figure in Canada’s development. His role in the autonomy, economic development, and social stability stands as solid evidence of the pioneering impacts he had on Canada’s advancement.
Interactions amid the provinces and the federal government, from constitutional issues to the most irresistible topics bang up-to-date in the country, are indemnified beneath the umbrella of “Federalism”. Authorities are shared so that on some matters, the state governments are decision-holders, whereas on the other matters, national government grasps the autonomy. In last twenty-five years, the upsurge of federal fiats on both governments, local and state, has shifted the power amongst state and national governments. Now, the national government is beginning to have more governance over the state’s engagements.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms first came into effect on April 17, 1982. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is one part of the Canadian Constitution, created in 1867. The Constitution is a set of laws containing the basic rules about how a country operates. The Charter sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an effective tool to ensure and maintain a just society as it protects the innocence of people, protects and ensures past laws and states fundamental freedoms, all of which work to create a thriving society.
For a long time the debates had been going about how was the better prime minister of Canada. On the the top of most lists of best prime ministers are Mackenzie King and Sir John A. Macdonald. For example, according to the Expert Survey that was made in 2013 “Laurier came first, Macdonald second, and King third, but the difference in their overall scores was negligible”. Both prime ministers had a strong vision of the country that helped shaped Canada to become the country it is today(in 2015). Thesis: Sir John A.Macdonald was one of the founding fathers, but William Lyon Mackenzie King had to lead the country through the part of Depression and WWII, and they both have made different positive contributions to Canada and are highly respected
When Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier stated, “As the 19th century was that of the United States, so I think the 20th century shall be filled by Canada”, the decades that followed provided his statement to be true as Canada became an independent and strong nation. The battlefields in World War One were a defining moment for Canada as their forces fought as one nation for the first time, instead of under British Command. Also, at the end of the war, Canada was recognized at the Peace Conference and signed the Treaty of Versailles as an independent country. In addition, Canada joined the League of Nations, playing a major role in world politics. These events in the early 20th century allowed the beginning of a strong nation with a growing national