“First it was "Government of Canada." Then it was "Canada's New Government." Now it's the "Harper Government."

Public servants from four different departments have confirmed to The Canadian Press that they received a directive late last year that the words "Government of Canada" in federal communications be replaced with "Harper Government."”¹

The Prime Minister’s representation of the Canadian Government to the people of Canada and the world as the “Harper Government” is not only arrogant it is also dead wrong. The Canadian government is formed by the Crown. The Crown ensures that a democratic election takes place and the Prime Minister is appointed by The Governor General.

Please join me in reminding Stephen Harper of his role in the Government of Canada. His one vote counted just as much as yours or mine did. He was then offered his job and accepted it just like the rest of us. He can also be issued a warning from his employer just like the rest of us.

Stephen Harper was elected by the constituents of his riding to represent them in Parliament. He happens to be the leader of the party that won the most seats in the house. By tradition (NOT by default) he was therefore asked by The Governor General to form a Cabinet and see to the day to day running of the country.  It is NOT his government. It is the Government of the people of Canada.

¹CBC News. “A Rebranding of the Harper Government”. 4 March.2011. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/03/04/pol-harper-govt-brand.html> (6 March 2011)