How Imperious

Canada, as part of the British Commonwealth, recognizes and prizes the Queen of England, in reflection of our heritage, as our Head of State. There's just something about some traditions. There's a certain nobility in recognizing how important tradition can be, and the heritage that gave birth to what we represent today. The (new) Commonwealth of Nations represents 53 countries that were former colonies of Great Britain in her glory days of imperial outreach.

Those countries, fraternal in outlook, and proud of the heritage left to them, (although some with good reason to be bitter about their original colonial status), are now proudly sovereign. Britain, though it dominated countries as a colonialist power, to increase the scope of her power and prestige and in the process taking possession of great natural resources in an unmistakably piratical manner, did leave a legacy of good governance and sound values, inclusive of a justice system that stands her former colonies in good stead.

Canada, like many other formerly British colonies, appoints an individual of recognized social stature within the country to represent a singularly titled individual - Governor-General (the provinces do likewise, appointing Lieutenants-General) - to act as representatives of the country's Head of State; Queen Elizabeth II. These appointed dignitaries act within Canada as does the Queen in England; attending to diplomatic matters within and without the country and representing the office in far-flung areas of the country and abroad.

Rideau Hall, which is where the formal building housing the private and public areas of the Governor-General's residence, has its own executive administration, and they are responsible for ensuring that protocol and diplomatic credentials are maintained to reflect the duties of the sitting Governor-General in representing the Head of State. They appear, however, to have somehow lost the meaning of 'head of state' in the process of transforming themselves into a kind of ascending-power to Parliament.

Assuming for themselves the assumption of 'keepers-of-the-institution', and re-branding the Crown's representative in Canada as Head of State. And even though it has been sharply brought to their attention, by various groups, from the Monarchist League of Canada, constitutional experts, and finally the office of the Prime Minister, that their interpretation of the role of the Governor-General has become warped, they remain defiant.

This is not something that has happened overnight. Even before the investiture of Michaelle Jean, paintings of the Monarch of England along with those of the extended royal family have been noted to have evaporated from front-and-centre display in Rideau Hall's public rooms. Relegated to less conspicuous areas of the building.

With a greater emphasis on the incumbents of the position of Governor-General. Not as a representative of the Crown in this country, but as representative of the Crown itself. All of which is rather like observing a tempest in a teapot, but for the fact that this exemplifies a kind of arrogance and hubris that embellishes a position beyond that which it was meant to be. The position itself is an elegant tradition, a reflection of heritage status, and needs no embellishment.

Rideau Hall functionaries whose function appears to have gone to their heads appear to have proffered quite bad advice to the regal stand-in. Photographs of the "Head of State" at the Rideau Hall visitors' gallery are replete with demonstrations of Michaelle Jean performing various duties in various locales to indicate the breadth and sweep of her obligations, but strikingly absent is any mention, let alone photograph of Queen Elizabeth.

This is not the first time Rideau Hall has been singled out for like criticism. It is, however, past time that the situation was put right and those whose arrogance is so shrill that they defiantly choose to launch a new website, following their chastisement by the office of the Prime Minister, with continued references to Governor-General Michaelle Jean as "head of state", should be informed in unmistakable terms that their absurd position will no longer be tolerated.

Nothing to get all roiled up about, to be sure. Just another minor irritation. But bloody stupid! The assumed entitlements, that is. It simply grates on one's sensibilities. Hoity-Toit!