Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Chris Selley: This can't be happening at Rideau Hall

The next governor general, and his or her spouse (if any), should be committed to keeping quiet

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

With the very notable exception of promising to learn French, then failing to do so, Mary Simon has not been a terrible Governor General. She spent money rather freely, of course, but they all do, and Parliament makes the budget, after all. You didn’t hear much from or about her, which is Job One for a governor general. That is, except in the francophone media, where she is a constant thorn in nationalists’ side because of her linguistic shortcomings.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

The anglophone press outside Quebec is another thorn in nationalists’ side, because it features many voices defending Simon on grounds that she is bilingual, only in English and Inuktitut.

Chris Selley: This can't be happening at Rideau Hall Back to video

This newsletter from NP Comment tackles the topics you care about. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays)

There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Platformed will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.

There aren’t many surer ways to........

© National Post