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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-221

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 07, 2022
An Act to amend the Governor General’s Act (retiring annuity and other benefits)
  • This bill, known as Bill S-221, aims to amend the Governor General's Act to change the eligibility requirements for the retiring annuity and other benefits for Governors General. Currently, a Governor General is entitled to receive these benefits regardless of how long they served in office. However, if this bill is passed, a Governor General would only be eligible for a retiring annuity or other benefits if they held office for at least five consecutive years. The bill also includes a provision that allows a Governor General who is unable to serve for five consecutive years due to medical reasons to still be considered as having served for that period. Additionally, the bill states that no financial support shall be given to a former Governor General who held office for less than five consecutive years. Lastly, the bill includes transitional provisions that would cease the payment of an annuity to a former Governor General who held off
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of this bill could be that it promotes fiscal responsibility and accountability in the use of public funds. By restricting the eligibility for a retiring annuity and other benefits to Governors General who have held office for at least five consecutive years, it ensures that these benefits are only provided to individuals who have served a substantial amount of time in the position. This restriction could be seen as a way to prevent individuals from taking on the role of Governor General for a short period of time solely to gain access to the retiring annuity and other benefits. By requiring a longer tenure, it encourages individuals to take the role more seriously and commit to serving in the position for a longer period. Additionally, this measure could be seen as a way to prioritize the proper use of public funds. It ensures that retiring annuity and other benefits are only provided to individuals who h

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A possible steelman argument opposing this amendment to the Governor General's Act is that it is unfair to impose a five-year minimum requirement for retiring annuity and other benefits. This amendment could potentially discourage highly qualified individuals from considering the position of Governor General, as they may not be willing or able to commit to a full five-year term. By implementing such a requirement, the pool of potential candidates may be limited, potentially resulting in less competent or qualified individuals being appointed to the role. This could have negative implications for the governance and representation of Canada at a national level. Additionally, the imposition of a five-year minimum could deter individuals from considering the role as a stepping stone to other public service or political careers, limiting opportunities for diverse leadership paths in Canada.
Senate First Reading
  • April 7, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read