Canadians Want William Shatner As Governor General April 20, 2010
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Celebrity,Fandom,Shatner , trackback
It seems that the people of Canada are yearning for some awesome. There are renewed calls for William Shatner to return to his native land and take on the role of Governor General. But is Bill willing to heed the call? All the latest on that, plus a great new photo of Bill and LeVar Burton.
Governor Shatner?
The role of Governor General in Canada is primarily ceremonial. While the Prime Minister runs things, Queen Elizabeth II is still technically the head of state, and the Governor General is her representative. The current Governor General is Michaelle Jean, who will soon be ending her term. In recent weeks there have been more and more calls for Canada to bring home one of its greatest sons, William Shatner. Not only is there a Facebook page with 2,275 fans dedicated to the notion, but Shatner’s name keeps coming up in the mainstream Canadian press.
Now a new (unscientific poll at TheMarkNews) online poll has Shatner as the clear front runner, with 39% in a field of ten potential GGs. Paraplegic athlete and activist Rick Hansen is running a distant second with 13% and musician Leonard Cohen is third with 9%.
So what does Bill think of all this Canadian hubbub? TrekMovie tweeted him today for a reaction, and Bill just sent out this tweet:
I’m being drafted by various groups to run for Governor General. Would they accept me if I campaign for salmons’ rights? My best, Bill
This is not the first time the subject of Governor General has come up. Last year Shatner discussed the subject on his video blog.
Shat + LeVar
In other Shatner news, both Bill and LeVar Burton (and some other Trek celebs) attended the Anaheim Comic Con where they did a lot of autographic for the fans. During the event, LeVar sent out the tweet "Me & The Shat" with this picture…
LeVar Burton & William Shatner
(LeVar Burton Twitter)
And today Bill sent the following tweet:
I saw @levarburton the other day. He was putting ointment on his lips. Then he tried to kiss me. Why did he need ointment? My best, Bill
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Comments
i want 7 of 9 to be my governor general!
If not, then captain kirk is ok!
First!
Sweet!
Except that Michaelle Jean is a woman, not a man…..
“Canadians Want William Shatner As Governor General”
Damn straight!
Or maybe he could run for Prime Minister? :-)
2
oops
Cool pic of Levar and Bill
I’ve lived in Canada my whole life and I can tell you, there is a type of reverse-discrimination going on when they choose a Governor General. To show our country’s diversity, they always pick Asian, Haitian, etc.
Bill is far too WASPY to ever be in serious contention for the position.
Stupid friggin’ policy, eh?
I think it would be Fantastic. Shatner might make better environmental policies.
@1… Good idea, except 7of 9 is from Kentucky, or at least she went to high school here.
yknow what the trek sequel needs?
a little sprinkle of SHAT
GET THAT MAN IN THE MOVIE! i dont care how just get him in there!
@6 Yeah slight problem, with your very ill informed post. 25 of the 27 Governor Generals of Canada have been white.
It’s annoying when the facts get in the way isn’t it??
@ #6… The reverse of discrimination is acceptance. There is NO SUCH THING as “reverse discrimination”. Also, WASP means ‘White Anglo-Saxon Person(s)’, which Mr. Shatner is NOT. He is Jewish of Austrian, Polish, & Hungarian descent. WASP refers to people of British descent.
On th eplus side, it’s a shame one can only be president of the U.S.of A. by being a natural born citizen. Bill for Prez!!
Bill is from Montreal, and being from Quebec is a shoe in for any federal government job.
Here’s the FB Campaign to have the Shat made an Honourary Captain in the RCN.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=113324727678&ref=ts
Qapla’
This is definitely a little bit of awesome. Good for Mr. Shatner.
#11 Depends on what that *really* means. I mean, “natural born” suggests not-by-Caesarean. ;)
As Bill never took American citizenship, though he fails on the citizen count. However, after his performance at the Olympics, along with his classic Molson commercial… he IS CANADIAN! And a good Governor General he would make!
@10 You have to understand the angst of some Canadians, in that the past 2 governors-general haven’t been “native” Canadians, but first an immigrant from Hong Kong, and then an immigrant from Haiti. Considering that until 1952, there hadn’t been a Canadian-born GG, it’s a fair concern that some have.
But with Shatner, you get a Montrealer, who is fluent in English and French, a McGill-educated actor, a Canadian-born gentleman, and someone that both Anglo and Franco can enjoy serving all Canada. I’d sure like to see Bill do a dramatic ‘singing’ of the Anthem!
The bonus is he should have no problem with the key role: Standing In For The Queen. :)
Why not! Shat would be great as GG. Not the 1st star in Politics. Great for Canada just 7:13:07 PM us borrow him from time to time ok?
By the way WASP is. White anglo saxon Protestant. Ok?
This Slang WASP dates back to the mid 60s
10
You’re missing the point! What I described has been the last two GG’s . Now they’re talking about picking Rick Hansen, a guy in a wheelchair! Because he’s qualified? No, because he’s in a friggin’ WHEELCHAIR!! He has absolutely NO qualifications for the position!
I see a pattern, even if you don’t!
Wake up and smell the coffee….you can bet the next G.G. will be someone who is….”unique”!
God forbid they consider someone who would be GOOD at the job!
Total bullsh*t!
@17 Actually, Rick Hansen’s humanitarian work makes him very qualified for the position. It’s annoying when facts get in the way, isnt it?
Jean has been doing a great job as GG. I think she’s great.
But no, lol most Canadians do not want William Shatner as the GG. I mean we like him and all but….haha you can’t be serious.
Oh, I don’t want Shatner as GG…that would just continue the joke postings of the past few years. The last two people chosen were journalists, for God’s sake…..yeah, like that takes talent!
How about somebody with a political sciences background?
Nah, that makes too much sense!
Governor General > Prime Minister.
Shatner for Premier of Quebec! :D
I, Shat.
King of Kanada.
If this actually happened I might just have to move up north. I mean given the way things seem to be going here, I’m looking at either Canada or the UK anyways, but that might be the decision maker.
I would be very proud to have Shatner as the GG. Throne speeches at the start of a new Parliament would have a bit more “cool” factor. I’m definitely all for this!
If the Shatner gets to be Governor General, then Bret “Hit Man” Hart should be his right hand man!
Wooo….I’m moving to Canada so theShat can be my captain (of state).
George says “Oh My!!…Bill ruined my birthday!!” at this story…lol
Go Shat!
Well, why not? I’m Canadian and I can’t see the harm in it. It’s not as though the Governor General has any real power or responsibility.
# 19
I’m a journalist with a political sciences background. In my newsroom, my colleagues have degrees in sociology, sociology of religion, Canadian history and Can-lit and French-Can lit. Oh, and we’re all bilingual, by the way, and follow Canadian news from Quebec and ROC sources.
In fact, you’ll find many people in the profession who have advanced degrees as well, and are well-rounded academically, and are politically and socially aware.
Like another poster has already noted, “It’s annoying when the facts get in the way isn’t it?”
Try getting some. Facts I mean. Before you express yourself.
“Nah, that makes too much sense!”
Could you imagine any world leader today at all not wanting to shake hands with William Shatner as GG of Canada? There’s just an aura of awesomeness there that none of them can touch.
Wow, how refreshing to see Canadians bashing each other.
Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!
31. Yeah, I like a good fight. That’s why I’m a francophone living in Western Canada! ; )
you guys forgot to mention that the last two GGs of Canada have been Jouralists for the CBC/RadCan as well. The GG role has been in recent years to promote Canada to the rest of the world, etc. Yes, the post is mostly just ceremonial, but the GG is the only one that can dissolve Parliment. Adrienne Clarkson spend far too much of tax payers money during her time as GG.. Michaelle Jean has done a wonderful job in her time… Rick Hanson would be a great choice. But I can also see Shatner as GG. He is a very patriotic Canadian and would do a great job of being our Head of State…. but I don’t think he would want to give up his acting to do so.
Forget governor The Shat needs to hold out for the one world government and go for supreme ruler.
Shatner could be High president of Earth and it still wouldn’t be enough.
Emperor Shat! Nothing less..
I think Geddy Lee should be Governor General.
29
Not good enough by half!
No wonder the really talented people stick to the private sector!
It doesn’t matter that much whether Shatner actually will be GG. It’s cool enough it’s being discussed…:)
@31: You know we’ll all end up apologizing to each other over large double-doubles in the morning though… :D
I love the Shat.
No. 7 – Chris Dawson
The governor-general cannot make any policies because the position is ceremonial, not a policy maker.
I totally oppose the Shat as next General-Governor if offered. He is absolutely against the seal hunt which is very important to my province where I grew up.
Imagine that he could ask the Parliament to remove seal meat from their menu in the cafeteria.
This is so unlikely. He has too many projects going for taking a hiatus or an exile for a five-year mission in Ottawa.
Let’s read the article before getting all wound up. It seems pretty clear that the consensus in Canada is that the time has come from a member of the First Nations to serve as Governor General. Shatner is not being considered seriously.
#6, wow… WASPY? Shatner is Jewish and proud of that heritage, lol don’t make your foolishness so public.
I say it’s time. The salmon have been oppressed for too long!
I am a Yan, but why would you want your Governor General to be someone who–albeit one of your best known countrymen–has not lived in the country for decades?
The Shat should be Governor General — no doubt about it.
Why not…
46
Read post #45 to understand what I was getting at….”WASPY” seemed a fairly generic way of describing the Shat’s situation. Post #45 also confirms my original observation. Typical “flavour-of-the-month” posturing by our government! Don’t get somebody GOOD, just select someone who will make us look like we’re being PROGRESSIVE.
Typical “two-dimensional” thinking!
IMHO Shat is the best actor ever – please let’s see him in the sequel.
Cheers,
Len
len.hawkesberry@v1s0r.net
Well, given that I hate the Royalty in my country. I really consider the governor general and the Royal-English connection primarily redudenant and a JOKE.
Given that state of mind, I think Giving the role to someone who really is AWESOME, is great.
But the sad reality of it all is, Shatner won’t be a governor general, because the Prime Minister ends up giving the role to someone who gives him “political points”. The conservative government would never appoint Shatner up there, because to make long canadian politics short of Americans on this site, It just wouldn’t work !!!! Gosh sakes, Leonard Cohen ? lol Fanboy fantasies.
CONCLUSION: The role will be given to someone who gives our moronic prime minister Harper some political points.
Wow…can you imagine if it would happen. God people would certainly look our way knowing that we Canadians have the Shat in his native country. But I can tell that Bill isn’t interested. But it would be coolest thing ever. Shatner for GOVERNOR………….YES
If I were Candian, I would want the only good thing to come out of the country back too!
As Bob Hope said when he was asked if he would run for the US Presidency- ‘i couldn’t take the pay-cut and don’t want to move to a smaller house’ ! I can almost hear Bill saying much the same!
That is a nice pic of Bill and Levar! Good stuff.
@ 55 – Stay in Cincinnati and read a book you ignorant shmuck.
@ 43 – I didn’t know about Shat’s position on the seal hunt. This reinforces my position that he not become GG. I don’t think Harper would ever go for it anyway.
Can we have him as Prime Minsiter of Great Britain please
Greg
UK
#59
Patrick Stewart could be Prime Minister of Britain, Colm Meaney could be PM of Ireland, William Shatner PM of Canada and Scott Bakula as President of the United States. :-)
( I chose Scott because Captain Archer eventually became President of the United Federation of Planets)
@Harry Baliz:
The main role of the Governor General *is* to present Canada in a particular light — it is a largely ceremonial position, and in the event that the GG has to do something more substantive, he or she will have access to plenty of Constitutional experts for advice.
In this case, a “good” Governor General is likely someone who can make Canada and Stephen Harper appear more progressive than they actually are, and appointing a First Nations person will help to achieve this. I’m sure there are plenty of First Nations’ people who are educated/knowledgeable enough to fulfill the requirements of the position.
However, considering that there still is so much racism and sexism in Canada, and considering the slim likelihood of a non-white, non-male person becoming PM anytime soon, appointing a GG from a minority group is more a cloak than anything else, I think.
vmurt
yes, I agree with your observations. The reason I feel so strongly about this is because, on many occasions, I’ve attended political dinners where I’ve had the opportunity to sit next to “figureheads”. Maybe not as high up as the GG, but of that ilk. I can tell you, without exception, that these individuals were chosen for their “non-white, non-male” image, not for what talent or ability they bring to the table. As a matter of fact, most of them had trouble constructing a coherent sentence. Shameful!
Harry, welcome to the Progressive Movement.
I think a Bowel Movement has more class!
61. I think a First Nations person as GG would make us look like bums, yes there probly are SOME educated non-alcoholic Natives out there that would be awsome for the job…EXCEPT, lots of them aren’t, and if GG is a figurehead position that is there to make Canada look good, progressing, and smart………well……
I may be worng, but I’m gussing you are a person who HAS NOT lived in several different First Nation reserves ALL YOUR LIFE, and, works for social services, and has observed the growing patterns of crappy living, like me.
There is nothing we can do to change the fact that people will judge a person because of where they grew up, or what their race is. And they will judge the GG for that.
Oh and if this counts for anything, if you think I hate Natives or something stupid like that, it might help for you to hear that………
I am First Nations.
HA! YES YES YES YES
SHATNER FOR GOVENOR GENERAL!!!!
YAY CANADA!!!!!!!
WHOOOOOOOOOO!
[now maybe we'll have something interesting to do with politics that won't just put us to sleep]
Glad to see that the Shatner bashing has been kept to a bare minimum.
The way it should be. :-)
Hell YEAH!
If Shat gets the job, he’ll be on Canadian postage stamps. COOL!
69
That would have to be one pretty BIG stamp!
To no. 69 Jorge
He can get on the Canadian postage stamps without taking that job.
to 6: Bill is from Montreal, so at least he is not too WASPy. The French connection is a hefty thing.
And just to point out. There has been a lot of talk about the revival of this role, as a serious office of government. After all, the current Gov. General of Canada was consulted with regards to two prorogation of parliament.
I think we need some one real for this position, some one like… Bill Fricken Shatner and his cool ass version of gunboat diplomacy. Yah! Shat attack.
Bill could do more for Canada than any other person at this stage in his life, there’s no doubt about it.
The GG is a Canadian cheerleader: has Bill not proven that time and again? Again at the 2010 Winter Olympic closing ceremony. (They should have just gone with Bill… whatsherface wasn’t funny, and I love Michael J., but it hurts….) And with the classic MOLSON commercial.
The GG is politically neutral (or at least acts the part), and Bill has always stayed out of political debates. (Yes, I know he’s against the seal hunt… but there are many Canadians who agree with him, and that’s more of a ethical debate than a political debate…)
The GG gets to preside. From a big chair once in a while. In Ottawa. We know Bill can handle a big important chair with grace. Just imagine him putting his chin down on a hand, crossing his leg… pressing a button with the other hand… “We need more power!” “Fire!” :)
Plus, he knows there are 12 to a side in football, he can sing the anthem in both languages (with syncopation!), his favorite ale is Labatt’s not Romulan, he says KAY beck, never KWEE beck; and.. he understands ‘deforestation’ better than most!
With Bill’s hairline I would HOPE he understands deforestation!
@74 Once again you amaze us with your ability to contribute to a discussion
Glad I could help!
@75, well clearly his handle here though suggests he would be an expert in ‘forestation’ somewhere!
Hey, I almost went with a handle like Holden McGroin!
The mind reels!
Simple…..
If William Shatner becomes GG we follow a long line of celebrity/ Politician failures ie Arnold Schwarzenegger,Jesse Ventura, Ronald Reagan.. , I think William Shatner is a great actor, but it cheapens the office of the GG if we choose someone just because there popular, choose someone who can best represent Canada on the international stage.
I dont think that WIlliam Shatner is the Man for the job, it should go to a real General. or a retired one anyway, General Rick Hillier , should be the man…!!!!
Yo, That most recent post was a little pitchy. Not your finest effort. You know I am one of your biggest fans, but now is when you should to bring just about every time. Time to show America what you got…