Hebridean,
I find this an interesting website.
http://www.gg.ca/gg/rr/index_e.asp
Role and Responsibilities of the Governor General
The Office of the Governor General, Canada's oldest continuing institution, is a thread that ties Canadians together. From Samuel de Champlain in 1608 to Viscount Monck in 1867 to Vincent Massey in 1952 to today’s Governor General, the institution of Governor General dates back nearly 400 years.
What is the Governor General's position in Government?
Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. This means Canadians recognize The Queen as our Head of State. Canada's Governor General carries out Her Majesty's duties in Canada on a daily basis and is Canada's de facto Head of State.
Like many other democracies, Canada has clearly defined the difference between the Head of State and Head of Government.
The Governor General
represents The Queen who is the Head of State
is appointed by The Queen on the advice of Canada’s Prime Minister
The Prime Minister
is the Head of Government
is the leader of the party with the most support in Parliament
What does the Governor General do?
The Governor General's role is built on four major themes:
Representing the Crown in Canada
Representing Canadians and Promoting our Sovereignty
Celebrating Excellence
Bringing Canadians together
Would you not then assume, based on the info above from the GG website...that it would be in poor taste to miss an event such as being discussed here?
Of course, use the CSA (Common Sense Applies) Rule ;D
So we should not speak anything but in PC terms if she messes up? We talk about our Government (Federal, Provincial, Municiple), our Military Commanders, pretty much everyone with openness and honestly, always with differing opinions, but somehow this one person should be afforded something else?
I think there is no excuse that can be given by the GG for blowing off, according to the GGs website, our recognized Head of State.
And the reason given was "private events". Phooey. Maybe, as per the GGs website, the Queen should consider appointing someone else, with the advice of the current PM.