Leaving a trail of black smoke and diminishing noise, Air Force One climbed sharply and disappeared into low gray cloud just north of Churchill Newport. The faithful Canforce CF5’s fell in behind and entered the cloud cover at the same time.
Ottawa / 2:13 p.m., EDT
As his driver slowed to pass through the narrow entrance gate of Rideau Hall, the Prime Minister reflected on the close relationship which had existed for many years between the Governor-General and himself. As a law student, Robert Porter had articled in the large Calgary law firm of Simpson and Crane. Alexander Simpson, the senior partner, had taken an immediate liking to the bright, aggressive young man, and the fact that Porter was deeply involved in the work of the same political party that Simpson supported only served to increase his interest. When he was called to the bar after heading his law school class, Bob Porter accepted a generous offer to join the law firm and work with Simpson as his junior. In large measure, he became the son that Alexander Simpson had never had, and during the years in which they worked closely together, the two formed a strong bond of mutual respect which had continued.
On his appointment to the Senate six years after Porter joined the firm, Simpson decided to retire from the practice of law to devote his time to work of the Senate and to the interests of the University of Alberta, of which he had become Chancellor. As well as being a distinguished lawyer, he was known for his deep concern for the cultural, social and physical development of Canada and its people. He had established a Chair of Nationology at the University and gave an annual lecture there on the state of Canada. This yearly event had become an occasion of major importance in the life of the University.
Soon after entering the Senate Simpson was chosen as its Speaker. His fluency in the French language and his knowledge of French-Canadian culture, combined with a remarkable sense of fair play, and an equitable perception in dealing with the sittings of the Senate, made him universally regarded as one of Canada’s most distinguished and respected citizens. He had never fought to uphold the hard party line. In point of fact, he was looked upon by many of his peers as being above politics, but at the same time his allegiance to his party was never in question.
Consequently, when the previous Governor-General, an able French-Canadian, retired from office, Robert Porter’s predecessor had reached across party lines and recommended to the Queen the appointment of Senator Simpson. As is the custom, she accepted the Prime Minister’s advice and made the appointment, one which was well received throughout Canada, and particularly in the West.
When Alexander Simpson had left the firm to take up his duties in the Senate, Porter decided to make his move into the Northwest Territories. Simpson’s work had been in the field of corporation law, chiefly on behalf of the oil and gas firms engaged in exploration and development in Alberta and the Arctic. With the considerable experience he had gained in dealing with these companies and the service firms which supported them, it was not long before Robert Porter’s decision to practise in Inuvik, the centre of the oil and gas finds in the Mackenzie Delta, proved to be a rewarding one.
When Bob Porter became Prime Minister, both he and Simpson were delighted to be able to work together again. Porter found the Governor-General unfailingly kind, wise and helpful during the days when he was getting his bearings in office, but never had he needed the counsel and understanding of his old friend more than he did today.
The car swung around the circle in front of Rideau Hall and stopped under the porte-cochere. The Prime Minister got out of the car and acknowledged the salute of the RCMP officer on duty. He mounted the few steps to the front door, which was opened by a young Canadian Forces officer, one of the aides-de-camp to the Governor-General. He said, “I’m Capt. Robillard, sir. His Excellency is expecting you. He’s in the drawing room at the end of the hall, if you’d be good enough to follow me.”
With the aide leading the way, the two of them left the entrance foyer of Rideau Hall and walked through the reception room and down the long hallway past the formal dining room, reception and writing rooms, to the drawing room which His Excellency used as an office. It was a large, comfortable room lined with bookshelves. At one end there was an ornate, carved stone fireplace, before which a settee and chairs had been placed in a semi-circular arrangement around the coffee table. At the other end, between two windows, there was a beautifully-carved desk at which the Governor-General was sitting.
As the Prime Minister was announced, the Governor-General got up immediately and moved around the desk toward Robert Porter, his hand outstretched in welcome, clear delight and pleasure beaming from his face. He was a man who showed few signs of his age. His piercing eyes and firm chin conveyed strength and authority, and brought warmth and confidence to the Prime Minister. As they shook hands, he said, “I can’t tell you how glad I am you’re here, sir. If ever I have needed your help and advice it’s now.”
“Well, Bob, as you know, one of the great delights of my life is to be of service to you. Whether or not I can be in this instance remains to be seen. I’ll do what I can, but remember my gratuitous advice is probably worth what you pay for it.”
Both men laughed lightly and easily.
The Governor-General took Porter by the arm and said, “Come and sit down over here by the fireplace. I’ve ordered some tea—or would you prefer a glass of sherry?”
“As a matter of fact, Your Excellency, I would prefer the sherry.”
The instructions were given to the aide and the two men sat down, facing each other across the coffee table. The Governor-General leaned back and took out a small cigar. “Well, Bob, I understand we have a crisis on our hands.”
“A crisis of the first order, sir. If I may, let me fill you in on everything that has happened and tell you about the plan of action for the rest of today and tomorrow.”
The Governor-General nodded his approval and puffed at his cigar.
The Prime Minister began with the telephone call from the President and traced the events and plans through to the point of his proposed discussion with the President the next evening, at which time he would inform him of the decision made by the Canadian Parliament.
The sherry was silently served. The Prime Minister took a sip from time to time as he proceeded. His host sat back and puffed occasionally on the cigar as he listened intently to everything that was being said.
When it was over, the Governor-General slowly shook his head. “Incredible, simply incredible.”
Nothing was said for a few moments. Finally His Excellency broke the silence. “You know, Bob, in one way you are in a fortunate position whether you realize it or not. You said you’re going to meet with the provincial premiers at six o’clock. Has it struck you that the two main points of the ultimatum come strictly within federal jurisdiction rather than provincial? The first has to do with native rights, an area of responsibility which no province has ever claimed. The second—the demand for Arctic Islands gas—has to do with the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, which are still under direct federal jurisdiction since they have not yet received full provincial status.
“So I think that in regard to the first two points, the Parliament of Canada and you as Prime Minister can speak exclusively and without interference from the provinces.
“On the third matter—the one having to do with granting the Americans free access to any part of Canada to enable them to transport gas from the Arctic Islands—things might be more difficult. If they’re talking about a pipeline—and I presume they are—then that pipeline will have to come from the Islands either down the west coast of Hudson Bay and through Manitoba and Ontario into New York State or Michigan. Or it will have to come down across Baffin Island, then across Hudson Strait into the Ungava area of Northern Quebec and on from there. If it is to be a pipeline, can you and Parliament commit the provinces, or do you think you have to get their consent?”
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