'sA-dE . com

To Michaelle Jean

Dear Ms. Jean,

Congratulations on becoming Canada's next Governor General. It's about time we had an injection of youth in an otherwise staid and archaic office. You do have impeccable fashion sense.

Some people are likely going to draw comparisons between you and our former GG, Ms. Clarkson. You have similar backgrounds as reporters for the CBC. You're both perceived as being part of the "arts" community. To the people likely to draw these comparisons, these similarities will probably be seen as negatives. And that is why you have to do everything in your power as Canada's figurehead to prove them wrong. Luckily, I am here to help you.

It's really important that you remember that you are the Queen's representative in Canada. Outside of Canada, the Queen can represent herself and we have Paul Martin to act on our behalf. Well, for now we do. But at any rate, it's not really your job. If you want to take 50 of your closest friends on a circumpolar tour, you should do what other Canadians do, and save your money. I would suggest opening an ING account. Their interest rates really are very competitive.

It's also important to remember that Canadians pay a heck of a lot of taxes. I have 40% of my income docked at source, and am priveleged to donate another 15% of every purchase I make to the Government's coffers. That money should be used for things like education, health care, preserving our natural resources, and defending ourselves against extremists, such as people who want intelligent design taught in our science classrooms. It shouldn't be used to fly you to your cottage for Labour Day. You should also ask if your office really requires a budget of $40 million per year. I know that part of that is probably upkeep at Rideau Hall, but do you really think you will need to use all those rooms? Restricting yourself to four or five would probably save a lot of energy.

Finally, if you would like to leave a better taste in the mouths of Canadians than did your predecessor, I have three words for you: transparency, transparency, and transparency. I know, that's one word three times, but I did that to make a point about just how important it is. If you want me to pay for a trip to New York, tell me why you are going and how it will benefit me as a Canadian. Having tea with Pamela Wallin might give you two a nice opportunity to catch up, but it's not really going to draw much attention to the plight of Canadian farmers, slow the breakdown of our healthcare system, or make any Sea Kings more air-worthy.

I think if you just keep these three simple points in mind you will enjoy your tenure as Canada's Head of State, and Canadians will appreciate you that much more.

Best of Luck,

Saedigh