Who should be the next Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta?

[Sonic Death Monkey]

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sport...321/story.html

Simons put forward Deb Grey, Michael Phair, Thomas King, Kevin Lowe or Karen Percy, Colin MacLean and Ian Tyson.

Grey and Phair are good choices.
I know they like to alternate between north and south and it's the north's turn, otherwise I'd agree with Ian Tyson and throw Lanny MacDonald into the mix.

How about Eric Newell, Don Mazankowski, Bill Smith and Cal Nichols?

[moahunter]

Does anyone care? A useless ceramonial posiiton, if there ever was one.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

^ It's not going away. Deal with it.

[sweetcrude]

Heard this morning that there is a facebook campaign to get Raj Pannu into the position.

[Jimbo]

It's not too big a deal, unless I'm the one getting the gig. It's like retiring, only you get invited to a lot more free dinners, and you get paid. And you get a budget, so you can hire one or two of your buddies, and set up a nice office. Then you can fly all over the world, stay in first class hotels, get the best service, and you still don't really have to do much, except stand in a line, stand behind some other useless figurehead for pictures, and have people kiss your butt.

Not Raj Pannu. In fact, I'd much rather it was someone who has never been in politics.

[edmonton daily photo]

Bill Smith?!

god no!

[McBoo]

Typical Journal irrelevance.

Tyson is not apolitical, he's heavily involved in a political action committee to stop oil and gas drilling on the (well, in this case his) east slopes. Agree or disagree with his position, Tyson is not merely a country singer of acknowledged accomplishment.

Michael Phair would certainly make a colourful and likely very good LG - but the gratuitous shot that Stephen Harper isn't likely to appoint a gay LG is both just that, gratuitous and so typical of the "regime change" Journal.

Seriously, Ignatieff, Layton, even Duceppe or, God Help Us, Lizzy May would appoint a gay LG?

That would be evidence-based how Paula?

[Sonic Death Monkey]

How about some more suggestions and less bitching, please?

[North Guy66]

Yes, traditionally the LG goes north-south alternate. Technically, Normie Kwong hails from Calgary. So the betting is the next LG will be from the Edmonton area.

You can also say the LG alternates from male to female, the next LG should be a female.

My prime favorite that fits the above criteria would be Anne McLelland. Yes, she is a Liberal (dirty word in Alberta) but she always looked out for the best for Alberta. The only stigma that she carries is she was the responsible for the national gun registry. In Alberta that's like saying she gave birth to the anti-Christ. However, she is a rare breed because she was an MP who carried her title with class and integrity.

If McLellan is too hard to stomach for the common folk, my next choice would be Lesly MacDonald. The former ITV/Global anchor and current Women of Vision champion is an aura of class and regal status. Lesley MacDonald will be a natural for the lieutenant-governor's role. The only negative is that she is not known outside the Edmonton area.

My long shot candidate would be Jann Arden. She has the same quirky sense of humour as Normie Kwong yet she is relevant to the younger generation. Jann Arden is the type that is up to a challenge and guaranteed she would make the LG office fun. In other words, she will be a breath of fresh air compared to the uptight stiffs who occupy the Legislature. her only negative is she is youngish and from Calgary, which may mean her opportunity is more likely the next term after.

[24karat]

How about Bruce Hogle? He's a staunch conservative, and a member of The Order of Canada.

[edmonton daily photo]

Originally Posted by North Guy66

Yes, traditionally the LG goes north-south alternate. Technically, Normie Kwong hails from Calgary. So the betting is the next LG will be from the Edmonton area.

You can also say the LG alternates from male to female, the next LG should be a female.

My prime favorite that fits the above criteria would be Anne McLelland. Yes, she is a Liberal (dirty word in Alberta) but she always looked out for the best for Alberta. The only stigma that she carries is she was the responsible for the national gun registry. In Alberta that's like saying she gave birth to the anti-Christ. However, she is a rare breed because she was an MP who carried her title with class and integrity.

If McLellan is too hard to stomach for the common folk, my next choice would be Lesly MacDonald. The former ITV/Global anchor and current Women of Vision champion is an aura of class and regal status. Lesley MacDonald will be a natural for the lieutenant-governor's role. The only negative is that she is not known outside the Edmonton area.

My long shot candidate would be Jann Arden. She has the same quirky sense of humour as Normie Kwong yet she is relevant to the younger generation. Jann Arden is the type that is up to a challenge and guaranteed she would make the LG office fun. In other words, she will be a breath of fresh air compared to the uptight stiffs who occupy the Legislature. her only negative is she is youngish and from Calgary, which may mean her opportunity is more likely the next term after.

Anne would be AWESOME!

[bobinedmonton]

Originally Posted by sweetcrude

Heard this morning that there is a facebook campaign to get Raj Pannu into the position.

Dear God. Spare us.

[Joe the plumber]

Originally Posted by sweetcrude

Heard this morning that there is a facebook campaign to get Raj Pannu into the position.

That would be amazing!!!!

Facebook group here.

[highlander]

Originally Posted by North Guy66

Yes, traditionally the LG goes north-south alternate. Technically, Normie Kwong hails from Calgary. So the betting is the next LG will be from the Edmonton area.

You can also say the LG alternates from male to female, the next LG should be a female.

So has it historically been southern men and northern women?

There's no alternation between older and younger, so I think Jann Arden is out. Her career is far to active. As Jimbo says, it's more of a retirement gig.

Anne or Deb would do fine, and Bill Smith would be perfect for a 'More Cheer, Less Leader" position.

[Hull534]

As someone mentioned in the comments column of Ms. Simmons Article. I think Jean Pare would be a good choice. A compelling Alberta life success story and someone who has a common touch.

[MagicMonkey]

My vote for Ian Tyson.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by MagicMonkey

My vote for Ian Tyson.

one of the things paula didn't mention is that ian is already 77 and while we make light of the fact the role is largely ceremonial it is nonetheless an important one and one that is quite demanding.

[MagicMonkey]

Norman Kwong is 8o and he was 75 when he assumed the role so maybe it's not that hard.

[JasonR]

I think that I would make a great Lt. Governor.

[Top_Dawg]

Originally Posted by kcantor

one of the things paula didn't mention is that ian is already 77 and while we make light of the fact the role is largely ceremonial it is nonetheless an important one and one that is quite demanding.

Yeah, a couple times a year you have to slog your way through ten pages of utter scatology that the ruling party drafted the night before.

And maintain a straight face.


Sometimes Top_Dawg tunes in to the speech from the throne in Ottawa just to see the spectacle of a Prime Minister, scowling and squiming in a kid's chair to the right of the GG, like a baby criminal sent to the principal's office.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by Top_Dawg

Yeah, a couple times a year you have to slog your way through ten pages of utter scatology that the ruling party drafted the night before.

And maintain a straight face.


Sometimes Top_Dawg tunes in to the speech from the throne in Ottawa just to see the spectacle of a Prime Minister, scowling and squiming in a kid's chair to the right of the GG, like a baby criminal sent to the principal's office.

this would be a typical month's schedule.

November 27 —2009 Calgary Leadership Dinner Honouring General Rick Hillier, Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada and Military Families Fund, Calgary
November 25 — Festival of Trees 25th Gala Evening, Edmonton
November 24 — 59th Annual B'nai Brith Gentlemen's Dinner, Calgary
November 21 — Reception for Exchange and International Teachers, Edmonton
November 20 — RCMP K Division Awards Ceremony, Edmonton November 19 — Federal Correctional Service, Prairie Region, Exemplary Service Medal Ceremony, Red Deer
November 18 — Canadian Red Cross Centennial Celebration, Calgary
November 16 — Courtesy Call with His Excellency Margers Krams, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia
November 16 — Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Correctional Exemplary Service Medal Ceremony, Edmonton
November 13 — Duke of Edinburgh's Award Silver Ceremony, Edmonton
November 13 — Royal Canadian Humane Association Bravery Awards, Edmonton
November 12 — University of Calgary Fall Convocation Ceremony, Calgary
November 11 — Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Ceremony, Edmonton
November 10 — Girl Guides of Canada Awards Night, Edmonton
November 7 — Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital Foundation Annual Dinner, Fort Saskatchewan
November 6 — Generosity of Spirit Program Reception, Calgary
November 3 — University of Alberta Business Family Institute: An Evening with the Fuller Family, Edmonton
November 2 — Calgary Jewish Community Council, 25th Anniversary of the Holocaust Education Symposium, Calgary
November 2 — Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Correctional Exemplary Service Medal Ceremony, Calgary

as previously noted, the role is largely ceremonial and this only represents a sampling of his scheduled "public" appearances". it would not reflect "private" appearances, meetings, etc. and it doesn't reflect travel which often has to be done the day before or the day after the event. check out the back and forth for the month for someone living in calgary (or in edmonton for that matter) including getting into and out of red deer and fort saskatchewan and tell me how glamorous and easy the role is, ceremonial or not, even if it's not the toughest job in the world.

[moahunter]

^so, since there will be a lot of unhealthy food, and unhealthy drinking, presumably we should pick somebody who is unhealthy already (i.e. no point in hurting somebody else's health / liver?). Given all the wining and dining, Klein might be well suited to the position - he would be perfect for opening new homeless shelters, as an example.

[Gemini]

^If your being facetious about Klein it is very funny.
On an other note, anybody BUT Ann McLelland.
How about Iris Evans. Not that I like her but she could do the job.

[North Guy66]

^ How do you rationalize that Iris Evans is more qualified for LG than Ann McLelland. Granted, Iris Evans won't get the post because she is a current MLA.

[North Guy66]

Kurt Browning
Diane Jones-Konihowski
Bobby Curtola

[Top_Dawg]

Originally Posted by kcantor

this would be a typical month's schedule.

November 27 —2009 Calgary Leadership Dinner Honouring General Rick Hillier, Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada and Military Families Fund, Calgary
November 25 — Festival of Trees 25th Gala Evening, Edmonton
November 24 — 59th Annual B'nai Brith Gentlemen's Dinner, Calgary
November 21 — Reception for Exchange and International Teachers, Edmonton
November 20 — RCMP K Division Awards Ceremony, Edmonton November 19 — Federal Correctional Service, Prairie Region, Exemplary Service Medal Ceremony, Red Deer
November 18 — Canadian Red Cross Centennial Celebration, Calgary
November 16 — Courtesy Call with His Excellency Margers Krams, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia
November 16 — Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Correctional Exemplary Service Medal Ceremony, Edmonton
November 13 — Duke of Edinburgh's Award Silver Ceremony, Edmonton
November 13 — Royal Canadian Humane Association Bravery Awards, Edmonton
November 12 — University of Calgary Fall Convocation Ceremony, Calgary
November 11 — Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Ceremony, Edmonton
November 10 — Girl Guides of Canada Awards Night, Edmonton
November 7 — Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital Foundation Annual Dinner, Fort Saskatchewan
November 6 — Generosity of Spirit Program Reception, Calgary
November 3 — University of Alberta Business Family Institute: An Evening with the Fuller Family, Edmonton
November 2 — Calgary Jewish Community Council, 25th Anniversary of the Holocaust Education Symposium, Calgary
November 2 — Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Correctional Exemplary Service Medal Ceremony, Calgary

as previously noted, the role is largely ceremonial and this only represents a sampling of his scheduled "public" appearances". it would not reflect "private" appearances, meetings, etc. and it doesn't reflect travel which often has to be done the day before or the day after the event. check out the back and forth for the month for someone living in calgary (or in edmonton for that matter) including getting into and out of red deer and fort saskatchewan and tell me how glamorous and easy the role is, ceremonial or not, even if it's not the toughest job in the world.

Dat's a lotta rubber chicken !

Halfways through the term they better throw in a lifetime supply of depends coz all that undercooked poultry would twist a poor bloke's guts like a pretzel and render him incontinent.

[Gemini]

Originally Posted by North Guy66

^ How do you rationalize that Iris Evans is more qualified for LG than Ann McLelland. Granted, Iris Evans won't get the post because she is a current MLA.

Personality alone I think Iris Evans would be best suited for the job.
After I hear Ann McLelland talk I feel like I need a rest.
Anyway, qualification wise a political backround in not a necessity. Look at Louis Hole, a gardener and a great LG, Normie Kwong a footballer.
Another contender could be Jan Reimer. Only thing with her is there are a lot of younger Albertans that may not have heard of her.

[MylesC]

Evans is also a bit on the young side for the LG.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

I don't think age has much to do with it. Michaelle Jean isn't exactly an old lady.

[Gemini]

I don't think age would be a factor. Look at Michael Jean.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by MylesC

Evans is also a bit on the young side for the LG.

i'm sure she would be very happy to hear you say that and too much of a lady to let you know that perception isn't always reality.

Originally Posted by Top_Dawg

Dat's a lotta rubber chicken !

Halfways through the term they better throw in a lifetime supply of depends coz all that undercooked poultry would twist a poor bloke's guts like a pretzel and render him incontinent.

our current lieutenant governor had some more serious than recognized surgery last spring that pretty much eliminates any of that undercooked poultry as part of his diet. his commitment to the role and the sense of humour he manages to retain while he fulfills is a pretty strong testament to his fortitude and his character.

[grish]

please, please, please no Evans. She has done nothing good for the province.

[North Guy66]

Originally Posted by Gemini

Personality alone I think Iris Evans would be best suited for the job.
After I hear Ann McLelland talk I feel like I need a rest.
Anyway, qualification wise a political backround in not a necessity. Look at Louis Hole, a gardener and a great LG, Normie Kwong a footballer.
Another contender could be Jan Reimer. Only thing with her is there are a lot of younger Albertans that may not have heard of her.

So it's your personal opinion because I'm sure others could not stand it when Evans or Reimer speaks.

Qualified was the wrong word to use, I should of said who is more deserving.

[Blueline]

Jan Reimer




She has accomplished a lot for Women's issues BUT OMG !

[Top_Dawg]

Great !

Another beaver pelt flap.

Make us look like the same calibre of goat loving hicks as twenty years ago.

[Glenco]

Originally Posted by Gemini

Personality alone I think Iris Evans would be best suited for the job.
After I hear Ann McLelland talk I feel like I need a rest.
Anyway, qualification wise a political backround in not a necessity. Look at Louis Hole, a gardener and a great LG, Normie Kwong a footballer.
Another contender could be Jan Reimer. Only thing with her is there are a lot of younger Albertans that may not have heard of her.

Anne McLelland is far too busy doing great work for this city. You need someone who is retired or willing to step back from what they are doing to take on this role.

[North Guy66]

I'm not being facetious at all but a prime candidate should be Joey Moss.

[RTA]

It's Anne McLellan, no 'd'.

[Glenco]

Ooops That is what happens when one copies without checking.

[Dougster]

I'd be okay with Anne, Iris (since it'd mean she'd leave cabinet), Michael, and Raj. I really like the Jan Reimer idea. She has executive experience and has been a tireless campaigner without being shrill for women's rights and protection.

[Gemini]

Originally Posted by North Guy66

So it's your personal opinion because I'm sure others could not stand it when Evans or Reimer speaks.

Qualified was the wrong word to use, I should of said who is more deserving.

Let's face it, it is more of a PR job than a political one.
Of course it is my own opinion about who I like and dislike. To me Ann McLellan comes across as a drunken cheer leader. She might sound perfectly logic to you. Iris Evans seems a bit more subdued, same for Jan Reimer. I am sure there are plenty of guys that are qualified I just have not thought of any yet.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Decorated Canadian peacekeeper Col. Donald Ethell will be named Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor this afternoon.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/...798/story.html

[Jasper]

Tommy Chong
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Chong

[boot83]

get rid of the whole program. never ever seen it really help any one who needs help, take the budget of that. put towards afforable housing so some single mom or dads can buy a place, probably help out something like 30 families a year afford a home? much better impact

[sundance]

Brent Sutter perhaps? Alberta born plus he's going to have a lot of free time very soon

As for getting rid of the Lieutenant Governor under our system we'd have to change the constitution 1st, the queen is the head of our government so the governor general and lieutenant governor represent her. Australia has debated becoming a republic, but as of yet still hasn't moved significantly towards that direction.

[moahunter]

Originally Posted by sundance

Australia has debated becoming a republic, but as of yet still hasn't moved significantly towards that direction.

The politicians screwed it up. There was a referendum, but the choice of an elected president was not given, so people didn't vote for it. The head of state has to be elected, otherwise it provides even more control to the PM / party system than there already is with a governor general.

[howie]

Hmm . . . suggestions for the Queen's representative. I'm surprised nobody has nominated our own Andy. Has strong ties with the old country. Ey up, Andy!