I'll be sharing time with Mr. Reid.
Professor Monahan, thank you very much. I found it a very interesting presentation. I enjoyed it immensely, and I wish we had more time. I know Mr. Reid has some questions.
Just a comment and then a question for you--at least, I'd like to get your opinion.
It appears to me, based on what you are saying, that under the current circumstances, with the GG being appointed by the Prime Minister in the current manner, you are, in effect, saying that the rules we have now regarding prorogation need not be changed. I say that because you've stated that if the Prime Minister does have the confidence of the House, he has the absolute right to request prorogation and there should be no discretion on behalf of the Governor General. If, however, he does not, or if there is certain reasonable doubt that he does not have the confidence of the House, then discretion can be used. But all of those cases, if I interpret your remarks correctly, should be judged on a case-by-case basis, because there are external factors that have to be considered. It would appear to me, then, that any disincentives or any other rules regarding limitation of prorogation need not be placed in the Standing Orders because there are current checks and balances right now and circumstances dictate.
So that's the first thing I'd like to get on the record: if you agree that my opinion is that the current rules need not be changed.
However, I was interested when you said that the change you would make, or at least recommend, is that the Prime Minister, prior to the appointment of subsequent governors general, should informally consult with all of the leaders of the other parties and should come to an agreement. Does that mean there should be unanimous agreement amongst all four leaders? If not, then any one leader could, in effect, have veto over the appointment. If three leaders vigorously approved a nominee, but one party, for whatever reason, said no, they do not, would that, then, in effect, in your opinion, kibosh the appointment process? Need there be unanimous consent?
With that, I'll ask for your response, given the fact that my colleague, Mr. Reid, has a few questions he'd like to ask as well within the seven minutes.