Governor General David Johnston on his idea of Canada
In his latest book, the Governor General writes 49 letters to his fellow Canadians.
As the Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable David Johnston has seen what makes this country great — and what we, as Canadians, still need to improve upon. In his creative new book, The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation, Johnston writes personal letters to 49 fellow Canadians who he has admired, sharing his ideas on our nation's past, present and future.
He spoke about this project with The Next Chapter host Shelagh Rogers on stage at the Toronto Reference Library this spring.
HOW CANADA'S 15th GOVERNOR GENERAL INSPIRES HIM
John Buchan was very special. He loved Canada — he loved its spaciousness. He said, "You don't know Canada if you haven't seen the North," but he was particularly concerned about compartmentalization and rival factions and camps — the "two solitudes," I guess you would say. He hoped Canada would overcome this. In my letter to him, what I say is not that the experiment is finished, but that we've come a long ways, that inclusivity has been such an important part of who we are as Canadians, and that we have fashioned a method of avoiding extremes and avoiding moving into conflict situations that become zero-sum games.
I think that's part of the genius as to how we've made this work — and we've had to — because the country has not permitted us to quarrel over silly things. Buchan, of course, would do that remarkably.
ON HIS FAVOURITE ROOM IN RIDEAU HALL
My favourite room in Rideau Hall is the library, where we have all of the Governor General's Literary Award–winning books and a portrait of [award founder] John Buchan. Those awards are Buchan's legacy to Canada. I say, send me in there for two weeks and send me the occasional sandwich, so I can take the time to read every book.
ON THE EDUCATIONAL GAP THAT EXISTS FOR FIRST NATIONS STUDENTS
The gap in terms of educational output, success, resources, is really quite huge. As we come out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and that terrible, terrible experiment of residential schools and find our way to reconciliation, our number one objective should be to eliminate that chasm as fast as we possibly can.
THREE REASONS WHY EVERY YOUNG CANADIAN SHOULD TRAVEL ABROAD
The first thing that happens is their curiosity becomes enhanced by exposure to differences. The second thing that happens is their judgment becomes better because they don't accept the first evidence and they don't come into something with a prejudice. They look for the other side of the story. The third thing that happens is that they become more tolerant. You're different and I am interested in why you are different. That, to me, should be the signature of what is a Canadian.
David Johnston's comments have been edited and condensed.