A Letter to the Governor General of Canada
You excellency,
I am writing to you today on the matter of the current discussion in parliament of the forming of a coalition government. I would normally write a letter and post it but I believe matters are moving too fast to await such a message. I think it is important you hear as many voices of Canadians as you can in the next week. Your position as constitutional head of our parliamentary democracy is an important one and the events this week remind all Canadians of the importance of having such a position outside of the normal political roles. As you know well, your role as an apolitical arbiter is an essential check and failsafe in our system of government.
In the coming days it seems you will be asked to consider several issues: a Government request to prorogue parliament and an opposition request to allow a formal coalition of the Liberals and NDP to govern after a government defeat .
It is my opinion that you should refuse the first request and accept the second. To prorogue parliament before the session has even begun is an affront to the work of parliament that the Canadian people expect. It is being done purely for partisan political purposes. The proposed coalition would represent a much larger proportion of Canadian opinion and be perfectly consistent with the results of the recent election. I believe it is your duty to uphold the constitutionality of that election and allow its results to flow to parliament. If the Conservative party of Canada prefers to shut down the government rather than face defeat, then allow the coalition to govern instead.
The Canadian people appreciate you bringing your wisdom and thoughtful reflection to this issue.
Sincerely,
Mark Crowley
You can send your own letter to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada by sending an email to info@gg.ca or write to
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1
Canada
