Governor General Designate with legal background

It’s true, I am a bit disappointed I didn't get the call to be the new Governor General. It looks like a good gig: good salary, nice house, snappy uniform and access to an impressive wine cellar.

It’s probably my own fault - I should have e-mailed the PM's office to let them know I was interested.

As I didn't get it, I am very pleased to see that the appointment will go to a worthy candidate. David Johnson is a fellow Queen’s grad so he is obviously sound; he’s also a lawyer, a marathon runner and a hockey fan. All in all, salutary qualifications.

In all seriousness though, it's very reassuring to have a seasoned legal scholar in the post, given the distinct possibility that the Governor General may, as a result of successive minority Parliaments, be called upon to fulfill his constitutional duties and not just unveil statues and cut ribbons.

Although Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean has served us well, and I'm sure enhanced Canada's image abroad through the passion and genuineness she brought to the job, I personally was always uneasy about the extent of her knowledge of the constitutional law end of her role in government. David Johnson will serve us well in that regard.

The committee that ultimately selected Johnson deserves our congratulations for wading through the long list of journalists, former politicians, hockey stars and even the former commander of the Starship Enterprise, to arrive at this inspired decision.