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Chretien a worthy member of Order of Merit |
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Written by Al Hollingsworth
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Sunday, 19 July 2009 |
The Little Guy from Shawinigan continues to amaze. The youthful 75-year-old’s most recent accomplishment was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s decision to name him to one of the world’s most prestigious groups, the Order of Merit.
Established by King Edward VII in 1902, the group includes the reigning monarch and 24 members. The correct definition of the award is “a “Gift from the Sovereign,” the “gift” comprising a lifetime appointment to this exclusive group. Future appointments can only be made when one or more of the members pass away.
Jean Chrétien is only the fourth Canadian to be so honored by British royalty. Former Prime Ministers William Lyon Mackenzie King and Lester B Pearson were given the “gift” as was neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield.
The criteria are simple- the award goes to people “of exceptional distinction in the arts, learning, sciences and other areas such as public service.” And in Chrétien’s case, leading three consecutive majority governments and righting the nation’s finances that had been wrecked by a series of careless governments, was no small feat.
More importantly, his dedication to his beloved Canada and his leadership in the unity debate, did much to keep this nation together. He stood tall and firm, something that did not endear him to his fellow Québecois.
What is interesting about the Order of Merit is that the Queen herself makes the appointment. There is no nomination process, or ministerial advice, it is bestowed on those whom she, and she alone, deems worthy.
Ironically, if the greedy and power hungry members of his own party had not forced him from office, Jean Chrétien might still be prime minister today. He knew Paul Martin’s limitations, knew that he was not capable of leading the Liberal Party and Canada. It didn’t take long for him to be proven right.
What I really like about this honour is the fact that it is going to one of us. Jean Chrétien never forgot his roots. He was always the “Little Guy From Shawinigan.”
I recall a provincial by-election in the riding of Cape Breton Center. Vince MacLean was the Liberal Leader and decided to bring in Chrétien to rally the troops. Chrétien had not declared for the leadership but it would be only a matter of time.
In the afternoon, MacLean dispatched me to pick up Mr. Chrétien, take him to the local hospital to meet the Sisters, and then on to Dominion Beach to glad hand with the sunbathers.
As he walked, and I, three years younger, ran to keep up, he worked the beach like the true pro he was, and is. As we went from blanket to blanket, parasol to parasol, he beamed and shook every hand except two.
In his enthusiasm, he missed two young muscle builders who were down close to the water’s edge. I heard them complain that he had ignored them. Catching up to him, I discreetly told him of the two he missed. He said nothing, just turned on his heels and broke into a jog.
Arriving at their location he turned to me and said, “Al, I always leave the best to last.” With that he almost took them to their knees with a handshake that rivaled vise grips. Think hands around the neck of a protester and you’ll get the picture.
That evening, my wife, who had never met him, went with me to a rally at the Dominion Arena. I introduced her to him prior to his speaking to the 1,500 jammed into the building.
After a barn burner of a speech, he made his way through the adoring throng, again shaking every hand he could reach. Finally, arriving at the front entrance, where we were standing, he looked past me and said, “Well Sharon, do you think I should run for the leadership?”
She was blow away. Jean Chrétien was probably the only politician she has met who actually remembered her name. Yep, he is one of us and he richly deserves this honour.
Finally, to sum up my thoughts on our former Prime Minister, and this formal recognition by the Queen, I think back to Chrétien’s courage in saying “no” to George W. Bush when asked to involve Canadian troops in the search for the “weapons of mass destruction” in Iraq. Quite simply, I view that single refusal as reason enough for Chrétien’s membership in the Order of Merit, and I might add, a valid reason why Tony Blair is not among that distinguished group.
(Al Hollingsworth is a retired broadcaster and journalist who served three years as the Director of Communications for the Leader of the Opposition)
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