Editor:
Following the death of our much-loved and respected Queen, our provincial and federal authorities should consider the next and final step in the historical slow process of gradually increasing Canadian independence: the termination of the head of state role allocated to the British Crown and Governor General’s role, which consists of performing the King’s constitutional and ceremonial duties.
In these inflationary times, the expenses associated with the running of the GG’s office could be directed to other worthwhile purposes. This includes an annual salary of $288,000, costs of owning and running two residences (Rideau Hall and La Citadelle, Quebec), aides-de-camp, press officers, financial managers, speech writers, trip organizers, event planners, protocol officers, chefs and other kitchen staff, waiters, various cleaning staff, as well as visitors’ centre staff and tour guides at both residences, air transportation assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force (Bombardier Challenger 600 VIP jets), etc.
Add to this, the budgets allocated to the 10 Lieutenant Governors in each province.
This ultimate step will require the unanimous approval of each provincial legislature, as well as the parliament of Canada. Since the Canadian populace was not consulted in 1867 with regard to the creation of this role, its demise should not require the process of referendum.
Gerald Young, White Rock