The Governor General of Canada at the center of controversy over "the origin of life"
Julie Payette in Ottawa for the Annual Conference of the Canadian Science Policy.
On Wednesday, November 1, 2017, Governor General Julie Payette addressed a few hundred scientists and researchers gathered in Ottawa for the Annual Conference on the Canadian Science Policy. "In her speech, Ms. Payette, a former astronaut with a degree in computer engineering, wondered how it is possible that, still today, some people believe in "divine intervention" at the origin of life." (1) Moreover, in the same article, it is reported that "Prime Minister Justin Trudeau applauded the strength of Dr. Payette's scientific beliefs and recalled that his government's policies are science-based. Prime Minister Trudeau said Thursday he was proud of Governor General Julie Payette, who made a speech the day before in which she openly criticized those who question climate change and believe in creationism." (1)
Following these statements, critics were quick to be heard. On Friday, November 3, the leader of the official opposition in Ottawa, Andrew Scheer, criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his praise of Governor General Julie Payette on the heels of her public statement in which "She claimed that "divine intervention" had nothing to do with the appearance of life on earth." (2) By his public outburst, Mr. Scheer wanted to remind Mr. Trudeau that respecting diversity in the Canadian mosaic requires "Respect for the diversity of religious beliefs, and Justin Trudeau offended millions of Canadians with these comments." (2) On the other hand, Blaine Higgs, Leader of the Conservative Party of New Brunswick, made similar remarks about Julie Payette on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, and lectured her on what she said about "Science and religion". (3)
You can watch and hear the part of her speech here.
It is deplorable that Julie Payette made such remarks, especially this year, a year rich in celebrations of founding events for Canada (the 375th anniversary of Montreal, and the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation). This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Order of Canada, an institution founded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at the request and under the Liberal government of Lester B. Pearson. "The Order of Canada, the highest award in the Canadian system of titles and decorations, was instituted on July 1, 1967, the centennial of Confederation. Any Canadian may be appointed as a member (CM), Officer (OC) or Journeyman (CC) of the Order of Canada in recognition of outstanding achievements or exemplary contribution in a broad area of activity. " (4).
Chancellor of the Order of Canada, and her main companion, the Governor General of Canada, Julie Payette, is the highest ranking member of the Order, after Her Majesty Elizabeth II, and it is she who essentially administers the Order in the name of the queen.
Ms. Payette and Prime Minister Trudeau are entitled to their views and beliefs, however, as a career scientist, I feel I have the duty to disagree with the Governor General's comments. I find it deplorable that she took advantage of her position and her access to a privileged platform: "a few hundred scientists and researchers gathered in Ottawa as part of the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Science Policy Conference", to express from the outset her opinion as if she were the spokesperson of Science, and of all scientists. With the help of its methods, as advanced as they are, I do not believe that Science can claim to be able to prove the existence of God, nor to demonstrate that He does not exist. Even for scientists, the recognition of God, a God "Creator Of life", is an act of faith, and the expression of a personal relationship with the Creator. I can not express that faith on behalf of the entire Canadian scientific community, yet I remain convinced that I am not the only scientist to think so: many colleagues, former colleagues and scientific friends could do the same. I do not think that Julie Payette's words, endorsed by the Prime Minister of Canada, fully meet the expectations of Canadians.
The Order of Canada Medal of Honor
Source: Wikipedia Commons
Should'nt the motto of the Order of Canada, "desiderantes meliorem patriam" (5), "who desire a better homeland" express the aspirations of our people? Today, "when parliamentarians refer to this motto, they usually mean a simple quest for progress; it's about making the country a better place." (6) This attitude is far removed from the spirit of one of the most important founders of the Order of Canada and appointed to choose the motto of the Order of Canada, John Ross Matheson. (7) The motto of the Order of Canada is far from being an ordinary allusion: it is fundamentally connected to the Christian faith, whether we like it or not.
"[John Matheson] attended a seminar on international affairs in Ottawa. There, the Reverend Herbert O'Driscoll of Ottawa's St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church gave a speech about desiring a better country. O'Driscoll postulated that 'we are seeking to make not our country but all countries fulfill their God-given potential, and thereby of course seeking this for our own country. He related this specifically to Hebrew 11, 16: 'But now they want a better country that is heavenly; where for God is not ashamed to be called their God for he hath established for them a city. ' O'Driscoll distilled great meaning from this simple excerpt, relating it to humanity's movement through history: all of us are immigrants; all of us hold the earth in trust and all of us are seeking a better country." (8)
Would this connection with faith have been completely obliterated when, in 1987, Canada's heraldic authority gave permission, on behalf of the Queen, the use the motto of the Order of Canada, and, under the government of Brian Mulroney, to use it as a secondary motto for Canada? It was thus added to the Canadian coat of arms by official decree of Elizabeth II in 1994, under the Liberal government of Jean Chrétien.
Statements that carry heavy consequences? I have no doubt! Let us pray for Joseph, with the prayer of Impact J, so that our leaders are guided by the Spirit of Truth in their orientations, and in the decisions that will influence the future of our people and our relations with others nations of the earth.
Christian Leboeuf
3) "Her excellency will face many challenges in her new role. It will always be important that diversity of opinion, which has become the hallmark of Canadian culture, be respected in all its forms. […] I think she should rethink what she said and find a way to recognize that it was not appropriate for someone in her position. […] Although she did not discuss the controversy head-on, Mrs. Payette said during her speech to the provincial elected representatives that 'freedom of expression and freedom of religion' are among the riches of Canada as 'the values of tolerance and openness' ." (www.acadienouvelle.com/actualites/2017/11/07/science-religion-blaine-higgs-morale-a-julie-payette/)
4) thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/order-of-canada/
5) Hebrews 11, 16
6) Ô Canada!´… Le vrai patriotisme, by Francine D. Pelletier, "Tendances et Enjeux" Website (Trends and Issues) on poste-restante.net/2011/07/02/o-canada-le-vrai-patriotisme/, published on July 2, 2011.
7) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Matheson John Ross Matheson (November 14, 1917 - December 27, 2013) is a Canadian lawyer, judge, colonel and politician who has contributed to the development of the current Canadian flag and the Order of Canada.
8) THE ORDER OF CANADA, Its Origin, History, and Development, Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam, by Christopher McCreery, University of Toronto Press, (2005), Chapter Nine, p. 184-185, The Motto.
