Governor General in Canada

Overview My research paper will discuss the proposal of institutional reform concerning the function of Governor General. Canada is a constitutional monarchy and the role of the Governor General is to represent Canada as a whole in replace of the Crown or the Queen. Since Canada has no longer any real ties with the British Sovereignty in terms of government rules many would argue if the role of the Governor General has any significance to being an important political actor in Canada’s Constitution.

To begin this paper, I will discuss a brief overview on what the role of a Governor General is, their formal powers and executive powers, dignified and efficient. My research paper will then emphasize on an institutional reform in regards to the function of the Governor General, it will discuss why Canada does not need a representation of the Crown any longer since the Governor General’s actions are mainly symbolic, therefore meaning that the new reform would have no Governor General appointed royally but instead an elected officer.

The next argument in the development of the research will discuss the arguments against this institutional reform and why the Governor General’s role is still significant in Canada and why this political actor should still be a part of the Canadian Constitution, since in fact it is part of Canadian history and politics. And then lastly on the development is what my personal opinion is on the matter of having an institution reform or not and then finally finishing off with the conclusion of my paper. Bibliography 1. Desserud, Donald (2006). The Confidence Convention under the Canadian Parliamentary System.

Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Study of Parliament Group. This article discusses one of the efficient powers of the governor general, dissolving of parliament. The governor general takes advice from the prime minister, when the prime minister might be in a situation where the House of Commons throws a non-confidence vote, and through some motivation behind it the prime minister would then ask permission of the Governor General, who has the power to dissolve parliament, especially when there is a minority government and this book will discuss a few examples of it.

This source is useful because it can help us understand why the Governor General’s role shares relevance. 2. Hicks, B. (2009). Guiding the Governor General’s Prerogatives: Constitutional Convention Versus an Apolitical Decision Rule. Constitutional Forum, 18(2), 55-67. This article talks about the conventional powers the Governor General has and how it has always been around and a part of Canadian politics.

Some scholars disagree with these constitutional conventions and how it should be more democratic, such as an elected official who understands more about the politics of Canada and not just representing the country. This article can be favourable to the argument of having an institutional reform. 3. Hicks, B. M. (2010). The Crown’s “Democratic” Reserve Powers. Journal Of Canadian Studies, 44(2), 5-31. This journal is about Canada’s responsible government and how the powers of the Governor General can be somewhat misused because of Parliament keeping limits on some powers.

Since Canada has been free from British Sovereignty, the Governor General holds more importance in guiding the prime minister but then again since the Governor General’s powers are more dignified rather than efficient, he or she is advised by the prime minister and sometimes these decisions go in favour for the prime minister and this may not always be fair. This journal can go in favour of the argument to have an institutional reform, because the powers of the Governor General may only be helping out the prime minister and may not be so democratic. 4. Messamore, B. J. (2005). The line over which he must not pass’: Defining the Office of Governor General, 1878. Canadian Historical Review, 86(3), 453-483. This press review goes back all the way to the 19th century, when the formation of the Canadian Constitution first began; it talks about the British Sovereignty’s representation that which is the Governor General. This reference can be helpful to this research paper because it gives the history of the Governor General and how this role of a political actor first started which can be relevant in the introduction of the paper and can give an overview of this significant actor. . Smith, David (1995). The Invisible Crown: The First Principle of Canadian Government. Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. This book discusses how the Crown, the Governor General, has contributed a great amount to Canada and its parliamentary government. This book talks about the significance of the Governor General and how its functions have changed Canadian politics for the better in terms of social, geographic and economic conditions. This reference will be useful towards the research paper when he argument is opposed to an institutional reform. 6. W. , D. D. (2009). Jean, Michaelle. Current Biography, 70(6), 36-42. This biography is about Michaelle Jean, Canada’s current Governor General. This reference can be useful for the research paper because it can give a certain insight on the life of a Governor General, their accomplishments and what gives them the factor of becoming a Governor General which is a pretty important role in Canada’s Constitution.

This biography can favour the argument of not having an institutional reform because it can give a better understanding that not just anyone can become Governor General and that they can represent and shape Canada as a country for the better. 7. Wheeldon, J. (2011). Actors, Targets, and Guardians: Using Routine Activities Theory to Explore the 2008 Decision to Prorogue Parliament In Canada. Canadian Journal of Sociology, 36(1), 59-93.

This article discusses the 2008 prorogation request by Stephen Harper to Michaelle Jean which was highly criticized by many who thought she should have not accepted the request. This article holds significance because it can show how the Governor General’s role may not be as significant because their role may not be helpful to the government an may be more in favour to the prime minister but not towards the good of the Canadian parliament and therefore to the good of the Canadian citizens. Function of Governor General: The Idea of an Institutional Reform Priya Patel 6587402