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One reads that she has reflected on the way some of the previous functions of her office might be best addressed today, seeing where improvement or change may be advisable. This is, frankly, encouraging. Doing everything precisely the same way it was done in the 1960s might not ruffle any feathers. But unruffled feathers among some in the self-appointed vice-regal establishment /commentariat is not a precursor to the survival or relevance of the vice-regal role, vital to our form of democracy.

Clearly, the prime minister wanted a different kind of Governor General than his predecessor might have chosen. That, too, is to his credit. A younger woman, with established credentials in science, engineering, technology, math and space travel, and a single parent, speaks to a slice of Canada that is not often centre-stage in stuffy Ottawa.

New websites, more focus on technology to connect the institution she serves to younger generations, enhanced digital outreach and an integrated inclusion of culture performances with most official events speaks to a new generation reflecting on how to best express the core non-partisan values of a parliamentary constitutional democracy in which the Crown’s symbolic and constitutional role is vital. No, Mme Payette is not like every other Governor General, the best of whom were deeply unique in important ways.

While some abhor change, the institution of Governor General actually needs updating and to better symbolize a fresh reflection of today’s Canada, one very different from Vincent Massey’s Canada of the 1950s. Mme Payette appears to get it – to her credit and Canada’s benefit.

Change is rarely easy but succumbing to the static pressures of an ossified status quo is always wrong.

Hugh Segal is Principal of Massey College in Toronto.

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