Payette took office with affirmation, not oath

Re: “Governor General’s oath was hypocritical,” letter, Nov. 12.

The letter-writer asserts that the Governor General’s oath of office was hypocritical, suggesting that Gov. Gen. Julie Payette swore an oath, so help her God, despite the fact that she is an avowed atheist.

This simply is untrue. What Payette said is consistent with her beliefs. I reviewed her taking the three oaths on CPAC. All three were given as affirmations, not sworn oaths. And there was no mention of God.

I suggest the editor view “Installing the Governor General — CPAC,” and readers might wish to do so, as well. We live in an age of mistruths, and a little fact-checking sometimes clears the air.

The letter-writer went on to suggest that oath-takers be given the option of affirming rather than swearing. This option has been available for decades in Canada.

Tom Hukari Victoria