By Scott Taylor
With the sudden resignation of Julie Payette from the vice-regal post as Canada’s Governor General, Ottawa is abuzz with speculation as to who will be appointed as her successor.
In addition to becoming Canada’s head-of-state, Payette’s replacement will also inherit the role of our nation’s Commander-in-Chief. The job is largely ceremonial, but as recent events have demonstrated diplomacy and charisma would be welcome attributes on the C.V of any future appointee.
Given that the role of Commander-in-Chief requires the wearing of military uniforms and that a familiarity with martial customs would be an enviable asset, here is a short list of potential candidates for Canada’s next Governor General.
If Trudeau wants to stick with an out-of-this-world astronaut theme, a natural choice would be Chris Hadfield. The man who became internationally famous for singing and playing guitar from the International Space Station in 2013, began his military career as a pilot in the RCAF. After retiring from the space program, Hadfield penned a bestseller entitled ‘An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth.’
Another popular choice would be comedian and veritable Captain Canada super patriot Rick Mercer. While best known for his comedic rants, Mercer has also long been a booster of the Canadian military. His love affair with the men and women who serve in uniform began in 2000 when he visited Canadian peacekeepers in Bosnia. Since then, Mercer made numerous trips to entertain the troops in Afghanistan and RCN sailors at sea.
In 2007, Mercer was named the Honourary Colonel of 12 Wing, 423 Squadron in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. As such, he has worn the RCAF uniform and attended ceremonial parades.
Mercer has also penned several books, the most patriotic title being ‘A Nation Worth Ranting About.’
For those doubters who would question the suitability of appointing a comedian as head of state, one need only look at the success Ukraine has had in doing the very same thing. In April 2019 Volodymir Zelensky was voted in as Ukraine’s President despite the fact that his only experience in politics was playing the part of a president in a television comedy.
While we are on the television theme, why not choose Peter Mansbridge? From 1988 until 2017, Mansbridge was the senior news anchor at the CBC. This lengthy exposure as the face of Canada’s Public broadcaster certainly made Mansbridge a household name.
While best known for reporting the news, before starting his career in journalism Mansbridge did a brief stint with the Canadian Navy back in the mid 1960’s. His new book, released last November, is entitled Extraordinary Canadians which is about as patriotic a theme as one could choose.
Another potential candidate would be the just retired, former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance.
Vance had a stellar military career in which he saw active service in the former Yugoslavia and he twice commanded Canada’s battle group in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Not only did he serve the longest stint as CDS in Canadian military history, he also only left the job earlier this month. Which means that his uniforms still fit.
To date Vance is the only candidate on this short list who did not write a patriotic themed book. However, his 38 years of uniformed service to Canada including front line service in foreign wars would more than compensate for his lack of a literary contribution to Canada’s heritage.
There is also a candidate that has four years of experience as a Commander-in-Chief who became available for employment at noon on 20 January, 2021. Although he is not a Canadian citizen. I know there are more than a few of his supporters here in Canada who would welcome him in that role.
If you don’t believe me, then you’re not on social media.
