Dissenting Report of the Official Opposition on the study
of National Protocol Procedures
As conducted by the Standing Committee on Canadian
Heritage
The Standing Committee on Canadian
Heritage undertook a study on National Protocol Procedures to examine the ways
in which protocol is utilized in Federal institutions, Provincial institutions,
public organizations, multi-faith and cultural groups, emergency services as
well as funerals and hotels, and to evaluate the need and necessity to
establish a national protocol framework
Hearings
from witnesses across these sectors illustrated there is currently a mosaic of
protocol procedures designed by and suited for the various needs of each
sector, culture, and organization. The performances of protocol by these groups
reflect their needs and are a reflection of the diversity of cultural
expressions and traditions that coexist in Canada.
In
response to questions regarding a national protocol framework, the vast
majority of witnesses cited the importance of flexibility in executing
protocol. This flexibility allows for internal application of procedures and
protocols appropriate for their cultural and individual organizational needs.
In circumstances regarding individuals, such as funerals, flexibility in protocol
allows for the wishes of the families of the individual to be respected.
Finally fluidity within protocol regimes ensures that they are able to respond
to the changes in society over time.
Additionally
serious concerns were raised by the witnesses about a national framework that
would impose rigidity on their ceremonies. The representatives from these
sectors made it clear that they, not the federal government or a federal
department, are best suited to make decisions regarding their own protocol.
Regarding
a specifically Canadian method of performing some acts within ceremonies
involving protocol (such as folding the flag), there was some ambiguity amongst
the witnesses as to whether or not such guidelines were already in existence
and available to the public. Some expressed a desire for greater clarity and
communication amongst groups and institutions which currently hold the
expertise of protocol in Canada.
Members
of the Standing Committee of the Official Opposition on Canadian Heritage are
obligated to underscore that while the word ‘flexibility’ appears in various
contexts throughout every section of the report, it is absent from the final
recommendations. As such, and in light of witness testimony, the Official
Opposition disagrees with the recommendation on establishing a national
protocol framework. The allocation of funding for a national publicity campaign
on a national protocol framework is not only unnecessary but utterly
inappropriate during a time of government cuts to the department of Heritage
and its programs.
However,
the Official Opposition believes communication and sharing of best practices
could be enhanced and as such, recommends:
1.
That organizations and individuals who regularly employ practices of protocol,
in various levels of formality, be commended for their exemplary work and
unique expertise in delivering services that celebrate, commemorate and bestow
honours on deserving Canadians.
2.
That the Department of Canadian Heritage encourage those organizations involved
in practices of protocol to communicate their systems of protocol and
collaborate to collectively find solutions where and when question arise.
3.
That the Department of Canadian Heritage make available the existing practices
of protocol in a clear and accessible manner.