Time to let lieutenant governor step away

Opinion

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This article was published 24/07/2022 (788 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Doing one’s duty is a key element of the British monarchy, and Queen Elizabeth II’s attention to her royal commitments during her 70-year reign has earned the 96-year-old monarch admirers around the world, including in Canada.

Her family, including her presumed successors, Prince Charles and Prince William, have followed her example, lending their names and influence in support of worthy causes and charities throughout the Commonwealth.

The Queen’s representatives in Canada have also done their part, providing inspiration for community spirit and volunteerism. Mary Simon, who last year was installed as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, has become a symbol for reconciliation across the country, in addition to performing the constitutional and ceremonial duties her post demands.

Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon has had the honour of representing the Queen in Manitoba since 2015. Her duties include giving royal assent to bills passed in the legislature, delivering speeches from the throne at the beginning of new legislative sessions and welcoming members of the Royal Family, foreign heads of state and dignitaries to the province.

Like the Queen, Ms. Filmon’s service has been exemplary. She supports numerous causes in the province, interacts with the public and regularly attends ceremonies and events; a vice-regal seal of approval is a much sought after component to occasions across the province.

During the speech from the throne last November, Ms. Filmon mentioned it was likely the last time she would deliver the address and she didn’t wish to miss the honour and privilege of representing the Queen in the chamber one final time.

For her sake, let’s hope she won’t have renege on her statement by offering a second farewell speech.

She has given her all, and has served longer as lieutenant governor than any Manitoban in the past 70 years, even through personal struggles.

Ms. Filmon, 79, underwent breast cancer treatment in late 2019 and stepped away from her duties for a brief period. Her husband, former premier Gary Filmon, who is 80 and has a heart condition, has filled in during her absence.

Ms. Filmon fell and broke her hip last year, but has since soldiered on. She delivered a speech at the official opening of the new home of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada in May in front of hundreds of people. Despite numerous challenges, she has resolutely continued with her duties.

Unfortunately for Manitoba’s long-serving lieutenant governor, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — whose job it is to appoint those who serve this ceremonial function — has not been so diligent in executing his duties in this regard. While he is no doubt aware of Ms. Filmon’s age and circumstances, Mr. Trudeau has offered no word about a replacement, nor has he provided any reason why an appointment hasn’t been made.

Surely, there exists a list of suitable candidates.

While there are no term limits for lieutenant governors, a new appointment could bring renewed attention to the ceremonial post in Manitoba in the same way Ms. Simon’s installation as Governor General last year did on a national scale.

This unwarranted foot-dragging on the prime minister’s part does a disservice to the Filmons, who have dedicated so much of their lives to public service. Ms. Filmon has long past earned a fond farewell from the public life; respect and decency demand she be allowed to focus her attentions on her family and her own personal interests.

Further delay amounts to a grave disservice to the office of lieutenant-governor, and more particularly to the person who has executed its duties with grace and dignity for seven long years.