In a recent letter to the editor, Kenneth Watson of Ottawa argues that Canada's official prime ministerial residence, 24 Sussex Drive, should be as grand as the country itself. Watson proposes expropriating the French embassy next door and combining the two properties into a Prime Minister’s precinct of grand scale and substance, complete with meeting rooms for heads-of-state conferences.
Watson emphasizes that no other country has an executive residence with a view like this property. He calls for a worldwide competition to redesign 24 Sussex, rejecting minor renovations and urging an end to Canadian modesty. He also suggests including underground parking hardened to serve as a bunker if needed.
Meanwhile, other readers reflect on the tenure of Governor General Mary Simon. Conny Kluver of Orleans expresses pride in Simon being the first Indigenous person to hold the office, despite initial criticism over her French language skills. Kluver praises Simon for performing her duties with dignity, grace, and courage, and hopes future governors general will learn Indigenous languages like Inuktitut or Cree.
Douglas Cornish of Ottawa discusses the upcoming national monument to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, set to be unveiled by the new Governor General. He hopes the new GG has learned that holding grudges is a waste of time, and emphasizes the importance of the monument for families who lost loved ones and for educating future generations.
