Posted by Edward W on March 29, 2011, 5:21 am, in reply to "Dissolution of Parliament Question"
24.85.65.176
My comments are in bold.
"I replied by suggesting that the GG would only refuse a request for dissolution if the PM was trying to escape a vote of non-confidence. No, even if there was no looming confidence vote, if the prime minister decided shortly after an election that opportunities have arisen to increase the number of seats of his party by calling an election, the Governor General may deny the request if an election has recently taken place. If the GG refused to dissolve Parliament after the the vote, I continued, His Excellency would either be seen as a) acting on his own accord (which would be unconstitutional in this context), you can break down the Governor General's powers into two camps, those exercised upon advice, and reserve powers (which are not exercised upon advice). For example, the appointment of a prime minister is a reserve power that is not exercised upon advice. Although the Governor General may exercise such powers in accordance to certain conventions, such exercise is on "his own accord" and wholly constitutional. or b) being in cahoots with the PM (with the latter's visit to Rideau Hall being nothing but a bluff). Either way, I suggested, the GG would risk being dismissed by the Queen, either on advice or on her own accord." The appointment and dismissal of a governor general is a power that is exercised upon advice. Without advice from her ministers, The Queen will not dismiss a governor general.
Responses