Turmoil Over Governor-General To Be's Past

Stardate 4413.0

CTV - Harper calls on MArtin to clear the air on Jean

Seems like quite the debate now about the Governor-General designate Michaelle Jean... Apparently, Mr. Harper is terrified about the idea that she may have been involved in a documentary with well-known Quebec separatists made by her husband about 12 years ago...

Of course, Paul Martin insists she and her husband are both great Canadians and she is deserving of the post.

"(Jean and her husband Daniel Lafond) both chose to be citizens of Canada, to come here and to adopt our country as their own," Scott Reid, chief spokesman for the prime minister said.

Strangely, however, she has said nothing regarding this matter, except that appearing on television or issuing an official statement regardign these accusations would not be "astute". In her new posting as of September 27th, Jean would become Canada's de facto head of state as well as the Commander-in-chief of the Canadian military.

Personally, I would have gone with William Shatner as the new Governor General... :) There's a guy who knows how to lead, and... oh wait. He's an actor. Guess that doesn't stop anyone anymore though, does it :D

I think she had best get the word out now, before this situation becomes too inflamed...

*** UPDATED ***

Ask and you shall receive. This is just in from Inkless Wells on Macleans.ca:

STATEMENT

August 17, 2005

By Michaëlle JeanGovernor General Designate

I am deeply touched and wish to thank all those who have so warmly greeted the news of my recent nomination to the office of Governor General of Canada. Others have questioned my attachment to Canada and that of my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond.
I want to tell you unequivocally that both he and I are proud to be Canadians and that we have the greatest respect for the institutions of our country. We are fully committed to Canada. I would not have accepted this position otherwise.
We are equally proud of the attachment to Quebec that we have always shown beyond any partisan considerations. Let me be clear: we have never belonged to a political party or the separatist movement.