The claim by the former lieutenant governor of Quebec that she is entitled to “sovereign immunity” from prosecution for fraud provides yet more evidence that the laws that apply to the Governor General and provincial governors are unclear and may allow for unaccountable, unjustifiable behaviour.
We already know from situations in the past few years that it is unclear when the Governor General or a provincial governor should allow the Prime Minister or a premier to shut down the legislature, call a snap election, pass a law that doesn’t comply with constitutional rules, or appoint an unqualified party crony to a key law enforcement position.
Politicians from all parties in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand have set out clear rules governing these situations, following the example of most countries in the world.
Canada could clear up its rules by simply making changes to the Parliament of Canada Act and related laws, and similar laws in each province. Experts agree that this would help clean up and democratize our governments, and make them more clearly accountable.
Duff Conacher, spokesperson
Your Canada, Your Constitution
Toronto, Ontario
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