Posted by David D on October 17, 2009, 6:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Who Creates Letters-Patent?"
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The Letters-Patent were drafted by the PMO and given "assent" by George VI. The King had no role in its drafting - though I'm sure the Palace had some influence.
It's funny the letters were created not as a republican move, but rather to strengthen the role of the Crown by allowing the King of Canada's powers to be exercised on Canadian soil.
Trudeau's decision to have HM give up her signing power for heads of missions is unfortunate, but in keeping with the Letters Patent which actually delegated this function to the GG. The current practice of appoint ambassadors without reference to the Queen, however, actually goes against the Letters.
There is still constitutional powers which are the Queen's alone. All executive power is vested in Her Majesty, so the Government runs in her name. The Queen appoints and dismisses the GG (on the advise of the PM). The Queen can move the federal capital. Only the Queen can give assent to a new province entering confederation. Only the Queen can add extra seats to the Senate. And the Queen is one of the three parts of the Federal Government.
As for Clarkson's biography, with all respect, her views carry very little weight with me. This is the same GG who used the Queen for damage control purposes when she hastily arranged a dinner with the Queen at Sandringham.
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