Incoming governor general proud to serve Canadians

Canada's next governor general made his debut on Parliament Hill on Thursday, saying he is proud to be taking over the position. The appointment of David Johnston is receiving very little opposition.

CTV News Channel: Peter McNally, McGill University

The official historian of McGill University and a friend of David Johnston says the new governor general will bring life and spirit to his job and will adapt to the role quite easily.

CTV News Channel: Frank Lynn explains

A CTV correspondent says David Johnston is a very popular and engaging man at the University of Waterloo. He explains the community is thrilled for him, but sad to see him go. They consider his new position a 'great gain for the country.'

CTV Montreal: Derek Conlon on Harper's choice

The prime minister has reached into the halls of academia to find the next governor general, and has chosen legal scholar David Johnston. Derek Conlon reports on reaction from McGill University, where Johnson worked for 20 years.

CTV News Channel: John Manley, CCCE

Former Parliamentarian John Manley says David Johnston brings both his wisdom, judgement, to the position of governor general as well as his creativity.

CTV News Channel: Amit Chakma U. of W. Ontario

The president of the University of Western Ontario says Canada's incoming governor general is a great Canadian, as well as a global citizen.

CTV News Channel: William Leggett, Queen's Univ.

A professor of biology who worked with the future governor general says he is a remarkable individual, intelligent, principled and dedicated.

CTV News Channel: David Johnston speaks

The president of the University of Waterloo and new Governor General of Canada speaks to the media about being named to the position, succeeding current Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean in September.

CTV News Channel: Robert Fife on new GG

CTV's Ottawa bureau chief, who broke the story of the new Gov. Gen. pick, provides insight into David Johnston's life and says he was chosen because of his legal expertise over other candidates with more 'rock star' statuses as the political climate in Canada remains a minority government.

CTV National News: Robert Fife on the new GG

CTV News has learned that the next resident of Rideau Hall will be David Johnston, a lifelong academic from Ontario who honed his diplomatic skills at the helm of two universities. Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make it official later this week.

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Governor General-designate David Johnston poses with some of his family members after making brief remarks outside the Senate on Parliament Hill in Ottawa July 8, 2010. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Thu. Jul. 8 2010 8:14 PM ET

David Johnston said he is proud to have the opportunity to serve as Canada's next governor general, a position he will begin serving in this fall.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, the smiling governor general-to-be spoke about his prior career in academia, which gave him "the good fortune to witness Canadians' creativity and ingenuity, our strong ties to our communities…as well as our diversity and our vitality," Johnston said Thursday morning. "The opportunity to see these values at work across the country means a great deal to me."

Vowing to "be a stalwart defender of our Canadian heritage, of Canadian institutions and of the Canadian people," Johnston gave a glimpse of the approach he will bring to Rideau Hall.

He also said he looks forward "to meeting with the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces." When he becomes governor general, Johnston will also be the commander-in-chief of Canada's military.

Currently the president of the University of Waterloo, Johnston is a career academic and respected lawyer who previously served as the principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University in Montreal. He has also held teaching positions at several Canadian universities.

Earlier Thursday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally announced that Johnston would be the next governor general and will assume his new duties on Oct. 1, replacing the outgoing Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean.

Pointing to Johnston's record of public service and experience in law, Harper said the incoming governor general has "a comprehensive understanding of government and a deep appreciation of the duties and tasks now before him."

"David Johnston represents the best of Canada," Harper said in a statement.

"He represents hard work, dedication, public service and humility. I am confident he will continue to embody these traits in his new role as the Crown's representative in Canada."

Officials say Johnston met Queen Elizabeth when she was in Toronto earlier this week.

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife said Johnston met the Queen at a state dinner held at the Royal York hotel.

It is expected that he will travel to Buckingham Palace later this summer for discussions with the Queen.

The selection of Johnston as the next governor general reverses a recent trend that saw journalists appointed to the job.

The most recent three governors general -- Michaelle Jean, Adrienne Clarkson and Romeo LeBlanc -- all worked in journalism during their careers.

Johnston, however, is well familiar with the political scene in Ottawa.

Fife said Johnston is respected as a non-partisan academic who has worked with both the Liberals and Conservatives in the past, a reputation the Prime Minister's Office alluded to when announcing his appointment.

"His exemplary record of public service has earned him the respect, support and admiration of many prominent Canadians in politics, government, academia, parties of all stripes, and in every region of the country," said a news release posted to the Prime Minister's website.

Johnston was selected to write the terms of the Oliphant inquiry that examined the business dealings former prime minister Brian Mulroney had with German-Canadian businessman Karlheinz Schreiber.

Johnston has also hosted major Canadian leadership debates, including one between Mulroney and then-prime minister John Turner in 1984.

He has studied at Harvard, Cambridge and Queen's University in Ontario.

Johnston became a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1997. He first became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1988.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Dave
said

Wow the racism in these comments is astounding....

Pierce
said

Isn't is a sad state of affairs that even when the Governor General designate gave his speech he stopped short of including God as one of his highest callings. He could have just as easily said, called to your God. Canada is so afraid to offend other cultures it's becoming painfully obvious. I commend the Americans for standing on the side of decency and all that made their country what it is.

thanks,

Dennis L. Krahn
said

I believe the GG position is a waste of money; however, the position is entrenched in our system and the best person available is needed to occupy it. It does not matter if the candidate is black, Asian, white, male, aboriginal or female. The criteria is love of country, honesty and the ability to fulfill the terms of employment. I am curious as to what a 'real Canadian' is and how does a family member's behaviour exert any influence in the choice of GG? I am a white male born in Canada; I love my country, I certainly hope that I am 'real'.

Until_It_Sleeps
said

The people who bash Johnston and Harper over this are incredibly naive and ignorant. The fact that everyone is branding him as a boring Conservative White guy proves their lack of intelligence and ability to research somebody before making ridiculous claims. I have the great fortune of working in Waterloo and the level of influential content that comes from the city is remarkable and represents the best of Canada's innovation. The University of Waterloo is a well respected institution.Johnston will do an excellent job judging from his track record, and to those of you who disapprove of him because he doesn't hold shock value (being a minority or female) you should just forfeit your right to vote entirely. Research someone AND THEN make your decisions, don't look at the colour of their skin and their gender and base your assumptions on that. The ignorance of some people is astounding.

jack,stiles
said

He looks qualified, lets hope though he remembers that he is only the Queens representative, not the head of State or Queen of Canada.We wish him well and hopes he brings more civilty to this country

geo
said

Johnson is everything Michael Ignatieff could have been, if only he had spent 34 years living in Canada...too bad

Jay
said

Sue
What type of messege does it send to say a female should have the job no matter if she is the right choice.What is that telling young girls it is saying you may not be right for the job but because your female you should get the job.

john
said

@Sue This is the 21st century, his gender and skin colour are irrelevant. Looks like a good choice.

elayne
said

what do we have a govenor general for??? why not close the place and forget the position ..give the money back to the canadains. we have people starving ,closing schools no hospitals, isn't it about time the so called canadians stood up and did something about all this nonsence..

CalgarySandy
said

He sounds like a good pick. I hope he is not as conservative as he looks.

I do not believe it is necessary to bad mouth the former holders of this seat to say this. I was very proud of Canada for picking Jean and I think she was a good diplomat. As the position is primarily ceremonial it matters quite abit that the GG be personable and approachable. Romeo I barely noticed. The ladies were gracious and had more class than their naysayers on here.

Stuart
said

Sue...we can't have a woman as GG all the time. That would be sexist now, wouldn't it?

Cornelius Heystek
said

Thank you Mr Harper, for finally giving us a Canadian that fits the position. I am proud of you, and the choice you made. Nobody is perfect, but at least someone with his experience and record will represent our values all over the world in a honourable way.Congratulations!!!

Alexandra-Deana-Ross
said

We need to advance the choices more and choose someone outside the mainstream. We've had Chinese, Afro-Haitian, white, how about a Gay person or perhaps a transexual or transgender?

Jay
said

Mr HarperAgain you appoint a buddyYou have been PM for 6 yrs- when will you do something RIGHT and stop making a mess of this country.You are an Embaresement to Canada

lr
said

I think he seems like a good choice. I hear that there are those who don't think he represents our diverse population because he is white.Pretty stupid comment if you consider that the last two were non-white females married to white men and one has a child of mixed race.

Richard in Ontario
said

@sueDidn't we just have a woman as GG. And please take time to read this gentleman's credentials. It states that he has worked for both the Conservative and the Liberals.. So not sure how it makes him a "white Conservative"?

Mar
said

I think a lot of people on this site have forgotten that with the baby boom generation, a very large group of Candians are older so he does appeal to a significant portion of the population as he is closer to their age group. And what does age matter? As others have said, only his qualifications should matter, nothing else. Hopefully he works out, plus, at the end of the day.

mememememe
said

Thank the stars, we are done being represented , by her.....
He looks like a good choice.

Bob,Calgary
said

Wendy and Sue, the Liberal bobsey twins, who abhor anything that Stephen Harper does no matter how reasonable it is. The new GG is an outstanding choice. He is a renowned legal scholar who understands the Law and will be emminently capable of delving into the nuances of any constitutional crisis should things come to that in the coming years. And , to my miind, that crisis will occur due to the consuming Liberal thirst for power and the sheer stupidity of the NDP positions on many issues. Far from being partisan Harper has appointed an individual who has a long career of being fair and unpartisan. Even tho Sue/Wendy want to criticize, Harper has done the best thing for the country as a whole. I really wonder if the Liberals would have been as reasonable if the GG was their decision to make. Stephen Harper is proving more and more that he is the best choice by far for PM.

John from Saskatoon
said

Sue, I guess by your sexist comment that you feel only women should serve as Governor General. The last two were women. Why is it so surprising to you that a man was choosen. you are the type of person who holds women back because of your distastfull attitude towards men. Beating down men is not how real women accomplish things. They work hard and contribute to society and they don't do it with a poor me, whineing attitude. It's time to stop reading you 1960's women's lib manuals.

Patrick Kershaw
said

What, someone born in Canada, commanding our Armed Forces? About time. NOBODY born on foreign soil should EVER lead our troops. The current GG, with her sending them to Haiti, and promising they'd help "her home country's (insert Haiti here) government in any coup attempt" shows she was NEVER qualified to be the GG.

Doug
said

If a special interest like Sue (below) doesn't like him because he is white and a male . . . that means that he is the right choice for all Canadians that believe that equal opportunity applies to more than just women, minorities, gays, francophones and the rest of the chattering Liberal voting classes.

Jonathan
said

I see many comments regarding his age. We need to remember that the older generation have something we lack - wisdom. Generally speaking, of course. Only someone with wisdom from life experience has the ability to lead effectively. I think some of our poiticians and/or advisors should be from the previous generations, and we can all cash in.

Jto
said

Congratulations Canada on getting a governor general that was actually born in Canada.

Helga
said

To "reidjr"Speak for yourself buddy. You insult average Canadians who subsidize these freeloaders with their hard earn tax money. Anyone can do this job and for you to insist on the elite snobs are capable just proves you're no better than them.

Linda
said

I wonder when we will have a First Nations GG?As for Wendy - I'm sorry, but "average Joe" isn't qualified to lead. If he or she were qualified, by definition they would have done more with their lives than would be described as "average".

Liz
said

I don't believe this position is even warranted. I mean what the heck does the GG do other than travel and spend money or maybe cut a ribbon or two!

Brent
said

Here is someone I can be proud of. He will represent Canada well.

Frank AB
said

No doubt the incoming GG has excellent credentials, but I believe he has promised 1000% loyalty to Harper before the appointment is made. By appointing a Harvard-educated GG, Harper seems to be suggesting that it's time to elect another Harvard scholar as PM and then Canadians will be better served. Like the Senate, GG should also be elected, otherwise what's the point of having so many privileged ones sucking a large amount of money in various forms from the hard-working taxpayers and virtually doing nothing concrete. With such a political system in this country, it is sometimes laughable for Canada to talk about democracy with other countries.

L
said

What is wrong with hiring a white guy? The comments related to this just prove that racism and sexism are alive and well in this country. If we were really a multicultural country, a person of any colour and any sex, including white males, would and should be eligible for this job. The goal is to pick the best candidate, not the most politically correct one. Women do not only have to look up to women, they can look up to anyone that inspires or is accomplished, or who does wonderful things in their life. And before people start bashing this comment, I am a woman and many of my "heros" are both men and women, its about what people do or what they strive to do, that should be all that matters. He sounds like a good choice, no where does it say he's a conservative, in fact it states he worked with liberals and conservatives in the past. Soundsl like a good non-partisan choice of an educated Canadian. Let's see what he does before we crucify him.

Citizen
said

Steve- You called him a conservative stooge, but if you bothered to read his background and history at all, you would know he has worked for BOTH liberal and conservative governments. He comes from Academia, a traditionally liberal bastion. We Harper picked him to sent the terms of reference the oppositions didn't complain because they respect his work.While I can understand it would have been nice to choose a women, or another symbolic choice, Mr. Harper is absolutely right if Minority Governments are going to become the norm, then we will need smart, educated Govenor Generals, proficient in the law, and respected as impartial. His credentials are impeccable and given some of the ridiculous celebrity names being floated before, I believe he will bring the duty and responsibility the job calls for.And if you want to keep track, the last two Governor Generals have been Liberal hacks from the CBC, one who bought a 80,000 dollar carpet for Rideau Hall and another who didn't know when to stay out of politics when it wasn't her place. Something tells me you weren't complaining about them being Liberals. Well we have a new government, and so what if this one IS conservative, its there turn. At least Harper didn't abuse it, choosing someone truly worth of the role

Evan in Athabasca
said

Let the reno's begin @ Reidue hall, can't wait to see the price tag for this one.Not slamming anybody, but this will come. I don't think this should end, after all, this guy has to have a place to call home for his hired tenure.

Jason Daniel Baker, Toronto
said

As much as I have disagreed with Harper over the years this is the most solid appointment he could have made for this position.You don't need a political loyalist or a celebrity in a role like this. An unassuming but quiet individual who is highly qualified is always a good choice.This is the kind of decision that all governments need to make more of. Choosing people who might not be well-known but can quietly do the job.

Cris
said

I would like Canada to get rid of the queen and the GG and appoint a Canadian as head of state. Having said that I believe this choice by the PM is great following a set of questionable journalists.

reidjr
said

Millicent Wendy
To serve as a gg you have to have some experence etc.A avg joe would not do well in a job like this.As well the majority would not want that.

Reener
said

As I woman, I am SO TIRED of hearing the moaning from other women about how we're so underrepresented in this country. Give me a break. The last two, who were women, hardly had what I would consider credentials for that position anyway (CBC reporters are somehow qualified?).

Everyone will find something to like or hate about any appointment, especially in Canada. If you women are so disgusted by this latest affront to our sex, why not throw your hat in the ring for an elected position in this country? What is stopping you? Women can be anything they want to be in Canada, there is nothing holding us back here, no matter how many state-funded women�s groups are telling us otherwise. Quit your complaining, we have it pretty damn good in this country!

Kim
said

Happy to see Jean go. She was not worthy of the appointment.

Millicent Wendy
said

Why don't they ever choose an "ordinary" "real" Canadian from amongst the masses to serve as GG??? Why is it only for the elite, political, snobs who fleece the public purse to have the job??? It really spits in the face of ordinary average Canadians that "we" are shut out of prestigious appointments in serving our nation. I think it's time we "change" this monopoly the elites of Canada have foisted onto us and tell them whose BOSS for a change. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny ``When the government fears the people, there is "liberty"!

Jeff
said

This is an excellent choice. The PM made a wise decision. The credentials are here and I feel he will create respect for the role of the GG. (ie. many of us where frustrated with Michelle Jean b/c all she would do is travel and blow our money - she needed fiscal restraint). Thus, this frustration loosing respect for the position.This is an excellent choice and quite frankly October 1st cannot come faster enough.

Chuck
said

We have to go back 30 years to the last GG (Jules Leger) who wasn't a politician or a celebrity journalist. Finally an appropriate choice.

Chat
said

At least, I can respect the man as our figure-head leader, unlike the so called queen of ours. Compared to Q Elizebeth with her IQ of 50, and her family's past crimes, DJ is a relatively good choice! But I can certainly think of better people for a great country like Canada.

Justin Laval
said

I'm surprised that they didn't pick Jacques Parizeau or Louise Beaudoin (sarcasm of course) Although clearly on the right team (federalist) this dude signifies "BORING".

Rob Calgary
said

Time to get rid of the gg position and take the money and put towards eduacation and healthcare where it will make a difference in our kids lives. Never mind the monarchy crap, this does not help our kids one bit!

pdm39
said

There is nothing inspiring about a 69 year old person undertaking this job - the position should be to engage all Canadians and be readily identifiable to all age groups. At least the last few appealed to younger generations, this will simply set the office back.I rather like someone with character and flair who sets us apart on the world stage.

Donaldbain
said

How will our country survive without a TV talking head as our GG? You mean someone with ability, experience and actual credentials is getting the job? Liberal hacks country wide are spinning in circles and coughing up hair balls over this unprecedented event. It doesn't matter that he is "an old white guy", I want the job to go to whoever has the credentials and actual experience in leadership and not as an "affirmative action" hand out to placate a small group of noisy idiots, i.e. retired CBC retreads.

White Haired and Satisfied
said

Sadly, I am no longer astounded by the stridency of those such as Sue and others who find anything to whine and complain about. No doubt for her and others, another nondescript appointment - so long as it filled their narrow-minded view of events and their infinitely biased view of what is "correct and acceptable" - is infinitely preferable to one that represents achievement, honour, intelligence, openness and fair mindedness.This man has the real values of what is Canada and what it is to be a Canadian. One who has an inclusive view of the country; who looks for ability rather than gender/race to determine progression; and who has demonstrated an ability to work with all points of view.

Vancouver Girl
said

Great choice! Congrats Mr Johnston!

Lyndsie
said

Fabulous choice! I think David will serve our country well!

Anderson
said

What! No William Shatner!

Frank
said

Well said SpencBC. I'm so fed up of people moaning and complaining when a white guy gets appointed to something. Are we so politically correct that we have to appoint non white males to EVERY position in Canada? Give me a break. Enough of this reverse discrimination. White males are Canadians too if you bleeding hearts forgot!

Mark Smith (Montreal, PQ)
said

Huh, who cares if he's a white male, a black female, blahblahblah. I thought Canada was all about equality and here we have conservatives jumping for joy over having a white male, and liberals complaining the GG isn't an ethnic woman. How is any of this relevant? C'mon, the GG isn't even all that much of a relevant position, and yet here you people are, bringing race and sex into a debate that doesn't need it. Here's a challenge for you right wing and left wing folks, how do you rate his HUMANITY?

Alex in Edmonton
said

Sue: So, what you're saying is that Johnston shouldn't have been appointed Governor General simply because he's a white male? That sounds like discrimination to me.

Portes
said

SteveHow do you think we feel about you Liberals, we are sick and tired of the c**p that you are always spouting. He is a good choice and applaud Mr. Harper for his appointmentSueYou have had 2 women in this position,isn't it time for male GG.Sorry but I have had enough of this "why don't you appoint this or that person"If I were the Liberals on this site check the CBC poll of today, you Liberals are sitting at 23%,not far ahead of the NDP. So Harper must be doing something right

Toby
said

Wow - I bet there are a lot of pissed off "Alberta Oil Barons". To think that they have been quietly funelling huge sums of money into the Reform Party coffers and none of them got this plum job.

HY in Ottawa
said

Mike said "Finaly, a real Canadian. "-----------------------Would you explain to us what constitutes "a real Canadian"? Would a racist, discriminating individual also considered "a real Canadian" in your view?

John
said

Worst choice ever for GG. Perhaps a decade ago David Johnston was relevant. His recent behavior, poor decisions and lack of leadership at the UofW only highlight that he should retire to his farm. He is completely out of touch with Canadians and particularly the youth of this great country. Harper should have picked someone with real charisma, character and relevance to society today.

Edb(Hamilton)
said

To SpenBC, I'd remove "reverse" from your statement. Sue's ramblings are pure discrimination against a clearly identifiable group.She obviously dislikes white males who of course contributed nothing to the building of this nation. The libraries, bridges, sanitation systems and rule of law where all surely in place when our horrible group landed here and upset everything.

Daniel
said

What is wrong with him being white and male???? Not every position has to be filled with minority representation. Based on the numbers of people in this country there should be more white members of government.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm fed up with all this nonsense!

Joe
said

@Sue: How about one of the 12 female ministers currently in Cabinet? Give up on this feminist garbage and grow-up, seriously. Accept the fact that some professions are male dominated, and some professions are female dominated. Males GENERALLY tend to be more outspoken than females, and therefore are more likely to be elected to political positions that often require individuals to be outspoken (and even aggressive at times). This is not a "battle of the sexes", so don't turn it into one. While you're on the subject, you might as well start complaining about how there aren't enough female firefighters for young Canadian women to look up to (obviously they deserve it - it's male dominated!).

Mike in ON
said

@ Sue - surely you are kidding, right? Like, whatever you do, don't look at the guy's CREDENTIALS - let's just decide that the GG needs to be female, and preferably from a visible minority? I'll admit, I don't know much about Mr. Johnston, but from what I can see, and from the comments above mine, he seems like an excellent choice. Get over yourself, Sue.

LC
said

Excellent Choice!! A refreshing change from the last 10 years.

David
said

I would like to see this position become redundant . The idea of having a figurehead British monarch as head of state is outdated - we are supposedly an independent country now. King Charles as King of Canada - I for one don't want to see it.

Jim in Ottawa
said

I think the key elements that make Mr. Johnston a suitable choice is his expertise in constitutional law, as well has his complete lack of partisanship. These are the qualities that we admire most in our Queen, and by extension our Governors' General.

James
said

Amen Spencer! The most discriminated group in Canada today is the white anglo-saxon English-only male, 19 to 35. I will admit that group used to have it all, but in the quest for balance we went so far the other direction that now my sons are the ones that are disadvantaged.

Gerry
said

He will be fine aslong he is not a total feft winger.

bc grrl
said

i still feel that the post of gg should be abolished as an elitist and wasteful position but at least he is not married to a separatist. i am seeing another 'good old boy' placed into the position of power (and the pay of power) and i do not fore see any changes happening that will positively affect the lives of canadians, unless of course this guy is willing to take the huge leap and put forth demands that see all canadians treated (and pay) as equals.

sandy NS
said

Hes a very bright man, I feel privileged to have met him some years ago. Good choice PM, and I am not alarmed that he isnt from the CBC!!!

Martin of NS
said

I sure hope Johnston is not as boring as he appears. I can't deny his credentials are awesome, it will come in handy if we have another paliamentary crisis. I hope he will represent Canada to foreign governments as well, if not better, than Michaelle Jean has. The GG is the figurehead of Canada after the Queen, I hope he fits the role well and I wish the best of luck to him. I also wish the best of luck to Michaelle Jean in her future with the envoy in Haiti, she definitely has had my support and approval through her reign.

Don K
said

Wow, another boring old white guy in this position.... How exciting. I'm not aboriginal but I really think it was time to have an aboriginal individual in this office or at least someone that will continue to keep this office in the limelight that it needs. You can count on 5 years of knowing nothing about the GG's position or undertakings with someone this dry in the office. A very mediocre choice at best.

Doug # BC
said

LOL.I wonder how seriously I should take these posts when people describe this guy as a "career Conservative".Give me a break.THis may have been the best option available,but he is certainly no Conservative.Perhaps this is why I no longer support the Liberal Party of Canada.If this guy is a "Conservative",I can barely imagine how far left you have to go to be a Liberal. All kidding aside,he'll probably do as decent of a job as anyone else Harper could have picked. I jsust have the kinds of concerns that AMericans are having about their Supreme Court judges. They ALL come from the pointy headed land of academia.Philosophy and ideaology takes precedence over pragmatism and real working accomplishments.Higher learning may get enough degrees to paper an entire room.But they don't necessarily mean you can actually do anything.They really show that you're probably above average when it comes to talking about doing something.Or telling somone else to go out and do things you thought about doing.Or,in this case,thank people who actually did do something. I guess I'm a bit cynical.But I am a firm believer in an old saying,"those who can,do.those who cannot,teach".People who hold jobs like this are comminicators and diplomats who can talk up a storm.That's their job,and they need those skills to do it properly.But in the real world,some of the dumbest ideas I've ver heard come from the self absorbed,pointy headed nerds from the oh so enlightened land of academia.Give them a real problem,in the real world,and they're so stuck in ideology that they can't find their way out of a wet paper sack.

nancy
said

Good choice. Finally someone who has theintelligence and dignity for this position andwill not mind in the least if the Queen askto sleep in her own home.

Art in Alberta
said

Wow...nice appointment Harper. I question how much involvement Harper had in the appointment because this is a decision he's made that I agree 100% with.

Mitch
said

@ the comment : 'Finally a true Canadian' Are you kidding me? I think some of you need a history lesson .. being racist only displays your ignorance and your lack of knowledge in Canadian politics.

Gary
said

As GG's, both Jean and Clarkson were fine. But their spouses seriously "let down the side." Let's hope Mr. Johnson's spouse (if any) has the same qualities he apparently does.

JFJ
said

Superb choice!

JFJ
said

Superb choice!

MAZ in AB
said

I agree with Dean. An intellectual for GG is a good choice.

Jim-Surrey
said

Ah! a lawyer!There ya go Iggy try and win a battle of words with him!You'll lose!!! LOL

Brian
said

This guy is too old and does represent middle of the road Canadians. Well educated is one thing but does he have his ear tuned to Canadians concerns. Some of these well eduicated people have their heads in the sand.

Leonard
said

But isn't he rather... cosmopolitan?!

Aliza
said

Nice to see someone with qualifications once again. And I'm pleasantly shocked that this government picked someone non-partisan. While the last two GGs did a good job, I really don't see journalists as qualified for much of anything. Nice to see someone with real skills in there. And as for the people complaining about it being a white man-- it's been lovely having visible minorities representing Canada, such a powerful message to the rest of the world, but it should never be a requirement. That would risk tokenism, and would weaken the effect. If the best person this time round is a man, fine. They *are* people too. Let's focus on what he can do, not how he looks-- because isn't that the whole point?

Allan Eizinas
said

It would be interesting to find out his views on parliament prorogue and the formation of a coalition government. I wonder if he would have been as pro Harper as the former GG was. I assume that Harper already knows his position or he would not be appointed.

Annie
said

Do we really need another wealthy Canadian making MORE money doing nothing for us?

SpencBC
said

To Sue: Guess you know nothing about reverse discrimination.Signed: White anglo male.

Anne
said

David Johnston is a brilliant choice for GG. As someone who worked in one of the universities where he was, he was, and is, highly respected, extremely personable, wise and someone who made everyone from the bottom to the top, feel like a valuable part of the team. He will carry this across Canada and have a unifying effect with all Canadians. Bravo for this most excellent choice.

reidjr
said

Chris
It should not matter the race it should be who is best for the job.

bryanf
said

CBC in total shock today, Not a journalist ! that evil harper & Now news the Liberals are tanking in the polls CBC/Ekos Liberals at the lowest numbers in more then a yr.,Conservatives open up a 10pt lead, 34.4 with the liberals 23.9,Nondescripparty close behind 17.9

qb
said

He went to Queens . He is def a right choice

Earthwatcher
said

impeccable credentials, who could have an issue with this gentleman as the next GG? Quite the turn about from recent appointees too. It would seem PM Harper made a concerted effort to appoint someone that would create little to no controversy in their duties. Unless of course he decides to chow down on some raw seal meat or something like that!

Mathguy
said

Perhaps he will destroy this country and its reputation by allowing a satellite version of Canada to be opened in Dubai like he has foolishly allowed at the University of Waterloo...

Sober, Newmarket
said

Amazing how libs always find a way to criticize everything and everybody that isn't coloured bright red. Creative but not credible.Good choice, Mr Prime Minister!

Lisa
said

Finally a Canadian male!

Sharon
said

Well, I guess it's now official why any comment, either for or against, was strangely absent when the University of Waterloo football team was being dismantled last month. Mr Johnson has sacrificed 60 U of W football players for his own political aspirations. Shame on you!

James
said

Even though Harper is appearing to appoint someone with a non-partisan backbone, I ain't buying it. As much as I liked the former GG overall - and firmly believe in the necessity of the position, Michelle never had the strength to oppose Harper's unreasonable demands. I do not believe that Harper has the moral character to appoint someone whom he knows is willing and prepared to do so.

Shawn
said

Finally, we have somebody who is not only intellectual but well respected. It is time that we need to have right people for the Governor General job. Well done Mr. Harper.

Bill
said

Very good choice. I'm suprised Harper has chosen a Harvard and Cambridge academic when he was so set on worldy academics being bad for Canada. Now he's appointed one to the top spot. I guess he's had a change of heart. Maybe he'll be nicer to Ignatieff now.

Island Man
said

A Harper Hand Picked Prorogation Rubber Stamper? Time will tell.

Chris
said

I never thought we would see a white male Governor General again. What's going on with this country? Have we lost our adoration of CBC news readers? Are we actually putting the best qualified people in positions of high office? Good Lord, what is becoming of this country?

Lew in Delta BC
said

Yeah, but does he like raw seal heart.....?

rob o
said

the GG alarm clock now goes on 'snooze' for another 5 years.Let's hope once we wake up from this new vice-regal hibernation in 5 years, it will be for better reasons.

Steve
said

An uninspired and partisan appointment of a career conservative. I'm so tired of this government. An old white guy, how original, welcome to the 1950's.

D Root
said

Born in Sudbury, attended high school in Sault Ste Marie, and a highly-educated lawyer -- what an excellent choice!

Mike
said

Finaly, a real Canadian.

Craig in Calgary
said

Sounds like a good choice. Congratulations!

ss
said

You mean he doesn't work for the CBC?

Jon In London ON
said

Damn Harper - he's picked the correct guy for the job - just another choice in a long list of decisions he's done RIGHT! At this rate....he may just get elected Prime Minister.

Sue
said

Wow, one more conservative white male in a governmental position of power. Since there are hardly any women elected in the highest offices of Canadian politics, why not just fill this position with another copy/paste of our lovely prime minister? The last decade has seen an Asian Canadian woman and a Haitian/French Canadian woman accomplish a great deal of wonderful things in office, and they have been beacons for young girls and women both in Canada and around the world. Now who are Canadian girls going to look to for aspiration in politics? Lisa Raitt? Helena Guergis? Having a female GG provides a tangible incentive for Canadian girls and women to dream of political aspirations, something we desperately need in this male-dominated right-wing government.

Mac
said

Well done ! Excellent choice... his credentials are incredible... (check them out before you make a knee jerk comment !) He is considered a constitution scholar which will be advantageous in this present political climate... - he IS NON-partisan... and he will bring class back to the position... lets not confuse attractive interactive star status as class... Yes Mme Jean had her positive attributes but she also spent a budget like monopoly money ...perhaps Mr. Johnston will also bring in restraint.. Congratulations Mr. Johnston and well done PM Harper !

Dean in Abby
said

What the heck? This guy isn't an old CBC hack so how will he be able to follow in the footsteps of those other two? Seriously, finally someone who is well educated and actually has some reasonable credentials for the position.

Wendys
said

I don't know how conservative this guy is, coming from the bastion of liberal indoctrination, the Universities.

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