The new Canadian order and the next governor general

In remarks that are reverberating at home and abroad, Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that the old world order is rupturing and a “new world order” is emerging. He returned from Davos and China to Quebec City last month where he called for “a strong and united” Canada.” Institutions make up the body of our country, the prime minister told us. This is indeed so. And we need to fortify those institutions in the face of the challenges we face. Adam Dodek is a professor of constitutional law at the University of Ottawa. Handout photograph Every appointment that the prime minister makes should be seen through this lens. In filling these positions, the prime minister and those advising him should ask themselves two critical questions: first, will this person in this office make Canada stronger; and second, can they be counted on in a crisis? We simply do not have the luxury of any learning curves for important office holders. The prime minister makes many appointments. Some are “personal prerogatives,” meaning he ultimately makes the choice. He may rely on advice, or set up outside advisory committees, but, at the end of the day, the decision lies with him. These personal choices include members of cabinet, Senators, Supreme Court judges, the heads of the military, the RCMP and intelligence agencies, and others. And, of course, the governor general and the provincial lieutenant governors. In all likelihood, Carney will appoint a new governor general this year to replace Mary Simon. Simon was appointed in 2021 after her predecessor, Julie Payette, resigned from office in scandal. Governors general usually serve for about five years, which is why Carney will likely replace Simon soon. Unless there is a scandal or a crisis, we generally don’t think much about the governor general—and that's a good thing. However, in times of crisis, we may turn to the governor general. This happened most recently in 2008 during the prorogation crisis, when then-prime minister Stephen Harper faced off against then-governor general Michaëlle Jean. Such instances are exceedingly rare. Former governor general Michaëlle Jean, pictured in March 2025, granted then-prime minister Stephen Harper's request to prorogue Parliament in 2008. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia Fifty years ago, constitutional scholar Frank McKinnon wrote that the office of the governor general and the lieutenant governors are like fire extinguishers “with a potent mixture of powers for use in great emergencies. Like fire extinguishers, they appear in bright colours and are strategically located. But everyone hopes that their emergency powers will never be used …” We can hope, but we also need to prepare. In Ottawa, names are already being floated for the next governor general. These include former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, astronaut Chris Hadfield, former Supreme Court jurist Rosalie Abella, former Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine, and others. My students have suggested Maureen McTeer, lawyer and wife to former prime minister Joe Clark; environmentalist David Suzuki; former deputy prime minister John Manley; journalist Chantal Hébert; New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor Louise Imbeault; and Canadian actor (and star of those annoying Rogers ads) Keanu Reeves. With the exception of the star of The Matrix, these are inspired choices and, in ordinary times, each would be worthy of consideration, if not appointment. However, looking through the lens of national unity, the prime minister would be wise to appoint someone from Alberta. This person should have the respect of their fellow Albertans, and also be ready to deal with a crisis on their first day in office. In times of external crisis, national unity is critical. The biggest current threat to the unity of the federation is coming from Alberta. The absence of any Albertan in Rideau Hall only strengthens the case for such an appointment now. Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade There are many qualified Albertans who should be considered. These include former premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley, as well as the former Alberta lieutenant governor Lois Mitchell or the current one, Salma Lakhani, whose term is likely to end this year. Former cabinet minister and interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose would be a popular choice. The former president of the University of Alberta, Indira V. Samarasekera, would also be a strong candidate, as would the soon-to-be-retired Supreme Court justice Sheila Martin. The former dean of the University of Calgary faculty of law, Ian Holloway, would be an inspired choice. He has extensive leadership experience, including service on the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency, which oversees the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and he is bilingual. We don’t know what crises may lie ahead, but Canada needs the strongest people in all offices to be ready to face them. This begins with shoring up national unity by appointing the first Albertan as governor general. Adam Dodek is a professor of constitutional law at the University of Ottawa and the author of Constitutional Challengers: The Heroes, Villains and Crusaders Behind Canada’s Biggest Cases (Dundurn, 2026). The Hill Times

The new Canadian order and the next governor general

Looking through the lens of national unity, Prime Minister Mark Carney would be wise to appoint someone from Alberta, who is ready to deal with a crisis on their first day in office.

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The new Canadian order and the next governor general

Looking through the lens of national unity, Prime Minister Mark Carney would be wise to appoint someone from Alberta, who is ready to deal with a crisis on their first day in office.

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