Johnston a model Governor General
By the time his successor is sworn in, David Johnston will leave Rideau Hall as the third-longest serving Governor General in Canadian history. Throughout his time as the Queen’s representative in Canada, he has managed to combine the dignity of Vincent Massey with the compassion of Georges Vanier and the innovative zeal of Adrienne Clarkson.
Unlike some of his predecessors, Johnston has not faced a parliamentary crisis, minority government or any other political imbroglio. There’s a certain irony to this, given that Johnston was selected because he possessed the qualities that would enable him to navigate these situations: strong bilingual skills, an understanding of Canada’s system of government and respect for the Crown’s position, and considerable experience gained through a lifetime of achievements.
But Johnston did put his skills to good use. In his almost seven years in office, he helped transform the reach of the Governor General. He championed education and innovation, and promoted philanthropy and volunteerism. He leveraged his connections with education, philanthropic and business leaders to build the Rideau Hall Foundation, and to support an array of projects, from the Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program to the Arctic Inspiration Prize. He championed Rideau Hall as “the home of all Canadians,” and presided over a period in which annual visits reached record levels.
Johnston also deftly avoided some of the pitfalls that afflicted his two immediate predecessors. In promoting education and innovation, he did not wade into the quick sands of government policy and finances. Instead, he made good use of the existing university and college structures and the philanthropic community. Where Adrienne Clarkson and Michaëlle Jean were criticized for undertaking expensive international travel initiatives, Johnston went overseas only at government request — frequently, but modestly and effectively — and represented Canada abroad with the skill of a seasoned diplomat. He also mastered the delicate task of bridging the transition from the government that appointed him to an administration of a different political stripe — something that eluded Jeanne Sauvé, Ramon Hnatyshyn and Michaëlle Jean, who had uncomfortable relationships with their new governments.
Like almost every Governor General since Confederation, Johnston recognized the contribution of volunteers. In his tenure, the tools for recognizing volunteers were expanded, and the national honours system was made more accessible. The Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award was upgraded to the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, and a Polar Medal was introduced. While plans for a Canada 150 commemorative medal were jettisoned, this was not Johnston’s call: he had a clearer vision of the significance of the 2017 ses- quicentennial than the governments he dealt with.
Through his involvement in events such as WE Day, and his engagement with Indigenous communities, Johnston expanded the viceregal footprint. He did more to engage with Indigenous people than any of his predecessors. He earnestly believes in the importance of the foundational relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown, and honours it through more than mere ceremonial niceties. In 2012, for instance, he held conciliatory meetings with Idle No More protesters and Indigenous leaders at Rideau Hall. Over the next five years, he became actively involved with Indigenous youth and the reconciliation process dealing with the legacy of residential schools.
As commander-in-chief of Canada, Johnston excelled at acknowledging the service of Canada’s men and women in uniform, as did his wife, Sharon, who was the first vice- regal spouse since the Second World War to serve as an honorary member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
“Grandpa Book,” as his grandchildren call him, has a remarkable capacity for remembering names, faces and details about the people he meets. Much more than a memory trick, these qualities speak to his genuine interest in others and desire to make Canada a smarter, more caring nation. His wife shares these goals, as evidenced by her role in championing mental health initiatives. The couple also reflect this sense of caring in personal interactions. It is rare for vice-regal couples to display the level of affection the Johnstons show to one another. This affection was apparent from the moment they made their way to the thrones in the Senate chamber, hand- in- hand, at their installation ceremony.
Johnston never lost sight of his role as the surrogate head of state, and despite all the trappings of a viceroy, always remained approachable and personally interested in others. When adorned with clinking medals, saluted with 21-guns, and addressed with the title of “Excellency,” it’s easy for officeholders to gain an inflated sense of self- importance. Johnston never did.
While it is premature to judge the long- term influence of Johnston’s tenure on Canada and the Office of the Governor General, it is certain that his time in office will be remembered for much more than its longevity. He brilliantly incarnated the vice-regal constitutional and socio-cultural roles. He struck the perfect balance between loyalty to the Sovereign he represented and the national expression of the Canadian Crown. David Johnston has been the ideal Governor General to preside over the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Canadians owe him and his wife a debt of gratitude.