Category Archives: Responsible Government

1841 or 1848: When Did Responsible Government Begin?

Posted on 2017/01/03 by J.W.J. Bowden

The latest issue of The Dorchester Review contains my first little foray into this question of when Responsible Government began;  I hope to expand this initial contribution into a larger project. For now, you can read my initial findings here. The idea came … Continue reading →

Posted in Dorchester Review, History of British North America, Individual vs Collective Ministerial Responsibility, Origins, Responsible Government | 4 Comments

Stop Appealing to the Governor General To Overthrow Responsible Government

Posted on 2016/11/29 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction Members of Parliament on the Opposition benches need to stop asking the Governor General of Canada and the Queen of Canada to overthrow Responsible Government. This should go without saying, but, alas, it does not. Responsible Government has so … Continue reading →

Posted in Reaffirmation of, Responsible Government | 1 Comment

Harper’s Fourth Prorogation Looks Much Like His First

Posted on 2013/09/26 by J.W.J. Bowden

I thank James Anderson for having published this column on National New Watch’s Featured Ink earlier today. Introduction Prime Minister Harper advised that the 1st session of this 41st Parliament be prorogued on 16 September 2013, and that the 2nd … Continue reading →

Posted in Crown (Powers and Office), Prorogation, Reaffirmation of, Responsible Government | 1 Comment

David Onley Defends Responsible Government

Posted on 2013/02/28 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction I’d like to thank David Watson of the Ottawa Citizen for having published my and Nick MacDonald’s column, “Onley Provides Much Needed Education.” It follows up on our earlier column from October 2012, “McGuinty Had Every Right to Prorogue,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Appointment of PM, Consultations, Crown (Powers and Office), Formation of Governments, Governor's Discretion, Prorogation, Reaffirmation of, Responsible Government | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

David Johnston on the Constitutional Relationship Between the Governor General and the Prime Minister

Posted on 2012/12/27 by J.W.J. Bowden

Governor General Johnston’s Remarks On 11 December 2012, Sandie Rinaldo interviewed Governor General David Johnston, who provided some good insights on the proper constitutional relationship between the Governor and Prime Minister under our system of Responsible Government.[1] Governor General David … Continue reading →

Posted in Consultations, Crown (Powers and Office), Responsible Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment