For a position that is supposed to be non-partisan and represent all Canadians, Louise Arbour was exactly the wrong pick to become Canada's next Governor General. That is not on Madame Arbour, who I hope serves with grace and dignity while in the job. Botching the pick is completely on Prime Minister Mark Carney.
A Partisan Appointment
When Arbour's name was first floated in the media, I doubted the reports, thinking there was no way that Carney and his team would be so foolish as to make such a political, partisan pick. Turns out they were that foolish, and they are quite impressed with themselves at the same time.
Arbour's Activism Has Remained Consistent
There is no doubt that Arbour is an accomplished woman who has held high and prestigious positions in Canada and on the world stage. There is also no doubt that she fits the stereotype of a Laurentian Elite liberal insider who holds all the right, or make that left, progressive views. From the earliest days of Arbour's legal career at the Law Reform Commission of Canada, a left-wing activist group, through to her time at the Supreme Court and the United Nations, one thing has been consistent — her activism. In Gosselin v Quebec, a case about welfare rates, Arbour went against traditional jurisprudence and argued in favour of positive rights requiring the state to act. It is the antithesis of our legal tradition, but it is strongly supported by progressive activists.
Her time at the United Nations as the High Commissioner for Human Rights was marred by excessive criticism of Israel and comparative silence on countries such as Iran. She was criticized in her post for an alarming willingness to cater to the world's more repressive regimes. In 2022, Arbour completed a review of sexual misconduct in the military. In an interview with Maclean's, she offered comments seen as dismissive and derogatory but definitely in keeping with her progressive political viewpoint. If you just recruit white boys who like guns but don't like women or anyone who doesn't look like them, you'll perpetuate that culture, Arbour said.
A Bogus Representation of Canada
Louise Arbour would be a fantastic pick to be a Liberal Governor General, but as the King's representative in Canada, she is supposed to represent all Canadians, not just the ones that hold her urban and progressive views. Even on the role of the monarchy, Arbour could not answer a straight up question, that given her new role, should have been an easy and emphatic yes. Do you consider yourself to be a monarchist? a reporter asked. Well, I don't really know what that term is supposed to mean, Arbour replied. I will give you a legal and constitutional answer. I will serve as the representative of the crown in a constitutional monarchy based on a parliamentary system, in a constitutional arrangement that is very well served Canada, particularly in recent years, and I'm quite convinced that this will continue to be the case. Don't expect her to sing God Save the King too loudly. Look, I am hardly a Monarchy booster but I did not just accept the role of Canada's vice-regal. She should try and have a little bit of enthusiasm for the role she has just accepted beyond the big salary, big house and big travel budget.
Arbour Is to Respond to Her Critics
Arbour was asked to respond to her critics who see her as too political, too partisan to occupy a role that should represent all Canadians. I will reach out, not only to those who agree with me, she said, I will reach out to anybody who wishes to engage with me, to debate, to discuss. I will listen. Since she is going to have the job, let's hope that she is successful in reaching out, understanding and embracing all Canadians. As for the PM, he loves talking about upholding Canada's institutions. With this very partisan appointment, he has undermined the role of the Governor General.
