CLARKSON’S COSTS
Canada’s governors general have sometimes been selected for reasons of crass political positioning, rather than for their profound understanding of the core responsibilities of the office. So it should not really surprise us if they sometimes stumble into controversy — either on the job or later.
Current Gov. Gen. Julie Payette, for instance, has groped her way through her first year at Rideau Hall, criticized for her low profile, neglect of charitable groups, staff problems and a lighter than expected work schedule. She may fix these things, but let’s agree she wasn’t chosen for her deep knowledge of what it means to act as the Queen’s representative in Canada.
The governor general before her, Michaëlle Jean, also was not noted for her expertise on constitutional matters. After leaving office, she became head of the Francophonie, from which she was recently dumped in favour of an African candidate. Among other issues, Jean faced accusations of excessive spending while in that role. Which brings us to revelations by Postmedia journalist Brian Platt that former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, now more than a decade out of office, is still ringing up annual bills of more than $100,000 in unidentified expenses, all covered by the government of Canada. Clarkson also got $3 million in startup grants for her charitable organization, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
It seems, in recent times, that only former governor general David Johnston has understood his role — not only constitutionally and symbolically, but in terms of basic respect for public money. We say “it seems,” because we don’t know whether Johnston is still making claims on the treasury beyond his governor general’s pension (former GGS get an annuity of $143,816). The Public Accounts broke out Clarkson’s expense claims because they exceeded $100,000. An annual claim from any former GG of less than that amount wouldn’t be made public.
But clearly it should be. All expenses under this unique program should be transparent. Clarkson, for example, has been heavily criticized for her spending, even though it’s possible that a full accounting would persuade Canadians their money has been put to good use. (After all, she was a popular governor general.) In addition, Rideau Hall itself should be brought under the federal Access to Information Act. The administration of this act is often wobbly, but at least it would send a message.
Finally, political leaders should review who and how they appoint governors general. Is it a popularity contest? A patronage job? Something more substantial? An overhaul is needed.