Originally posted by intrepid
Not true. We have a Governor General that acts as the Queens representative but s/he follows what the elected gov't desires.
The elected government runs absolutely nothing in Canada as in the US.
All legislation in Canada at the federal level or the provincial level must receive “Royal Ascent” before it becomes law. It must therefore be
signed by the Governor General, the Queen’s direct representative for the Federal jurisdiction in Canada, or the Lieutenant Governor, the Queen’s
direct representative in a Province in Canada.
Canada’s military is the Queen’s Militia (1904 Militia Act) and is administered by the Governor General who is the Commander in Chief of the
Canadian military on behalf of the Queen.
The queen appoints the Governor General (the queen’s direct representative) after which the two remain in direct contact. The Governor General, like
the lieutenant Governors of each province, serve At Her Majesty’s pleasure which means all their authority comes from the Queen.
The Governor General and the Lieutenant Governors of each province have reserve powers that they can exercise without the approval of another branch
of the Canadian or provincial governments. If there is a constitutional crisis, the Governor General may exercise Royal Prerogative (Royal Right)
against the Prime Minister without the advice of the Prime Minister.
Let's look at the role of the Lieutenant Governor according the Lieutenant Governor's website for the province of British Columbia, the province
where I live:
www.ltgov.bc.ca...
Lieutenant Governor:
The Queen’s direct representative in a Province in Canada much as the Governor General is the Queen’s direct representative for the Federal
jurisdiction in Canada.
Lieutenant Governors are appointed by the Governor General but are not subordinate to the Governor General in any matter within provincial
jurisdiction.
Takes precedence over everyone in the province except the Queen. That includes the provincial premier.
All legislation in the province must receive Royal Assent before it becomes law. It must therefore be signed by the Lieutenant Governor
Note:
This is not just mere ceremony… The Queen (or the powers behind the Crown) must approve every law.
Prime responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor is to ensure that at all times there is a First Minister (Premier) in the province
Has the power vested by the Queen to dissolve the House or call upon someone else to become First Minister and to form a viable government.
Note:
This again is serious power not mere ceremony.
Lieutenant Governor is the source of the power of the government of the day.
Note:
Source of power means the Queen is the source of power for the government.
Lieutenant Governor can decide how the power of the state is to be used and that power never passes to the provincial government but always remains
with the Queen.
Note:
The above is self explanatory.
They have reserve powers that they can exercise without the approval of another branch of government.
If there is a constitutional crisis, the lieutenant Governor may exercise Royal Prerogative (Royal Right) against the Premier with or without the
advice of the Premier.
Note: This means the lieutenant Governor (the Queen) is abover the Premier
Here’s the hilarious official explanation to the public as to the purpose of the power vested with the Lieutenant governor: :
“Thus the power of the state is held in a non-partisan office, above the conflicts and divisions of the political process, and as a consequence it
is a unifying force because it represents equally all of the elements which make up the state.”
Did you get that spin? “…above the conflicts and divisions of the political process”
In other words above the democratic process… if there’s a conflict it gets resolved not democratically but by the ruling of the Lieutenant
governor (the Queen)
Oaths of Allegiance and Secrecy for Provincial Cabinet Members:
Allegiance:
"I… swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors according to law."
Ministerial Office:
I further swear that I will serve her Majesty faithfully and honestly, and to the best of my skill and knowledge and judgment, execute law and
responsibilities, powers and trust granted to me as a Minister of….."
Confidentiality:
"I further swear that I will keep confidential all matters addressed by the executive council and that I will not disclose any such matters to any
person other than a member of the Executive Council except as authorized by law or as required in the lawful discharge of my duties."