Comparing The Balance Between The Governor General And The Prime Minister

In Canada’s responsible government, the balance of power between the Governor General and the Prime Minister is vital for upholding democracy. When the Prime Minister acts out of political motivation or undermines democratic principles, the Governor General has the right to deny such advice to protect responsible governance. I argue that the Governor General should act on the Prime Minister’s advice to prorogue or dissolve Parliament only when it serves to protect the democratic process and uphold the responsibilities of the elected executive branch. Understanding the balance between the Governor General's formal powers and the Prime Minister's executive role is essential. This balance is crucial for maintaining political stability and accountability
It is crucial for the Governor General to maintain autonomy in deciding when to act on the Prime Minister's advice. This independence allows the Governor General to provide impartial oversight of policies and issues, fostering a fair political environment. A key characteristic of responsible government is that the elected party must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons (Video 3.1). When this confidence is lost, the Governor General must facilitate a smooth transition (Video 3.1). Denying a request for prorogation or dissolution can prevent political turmoil and protect public trust in governmental institutions. However, despite the valid reasons that may exist for requesting prorogation and dissolution, the Governor General must remain vigilant against requests that do not align with the principles of responsible government. An elected prime minister cannot legitimately request prorogation or dissolution for motives that undermine
While Trudeau claimed this would benefit Canadians, such assertions are subjective. Opposition leaders, like Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, argued that this decision did not serve the public's best interests (Class 3). By calling an election under these circumstances, the Governor General risked appearing biased in favour of the Liberal Party’s agenda, potentially hindering the democratic process. To prevent political bias, some argue that the Governor General should always act on the Prime Minister's advice. Individuals may believe that adherence to the Prime Minister's guidance ensures political stability and continuity. This provides a smoother functioning of government and potential conflicts that could arise from a Governor General exercising independence. However, I believe this view neglects the crucial importance of the Governor General's independence. As an impartial actor within democracy, the Governor General must remain separate from the executive branch. By consistently following the Prime Minister’s directives, their role would be diminished, effectively turning them into an instrument of the