Proper Addressing Etiquette for Former Prime Ministers and Members of Parliament in Canada

The proper addressing of individuals in positions of high office is an important aspect of etiquette, particularly in Canada where the hierarchy of titles, honors, and titles reverts to previous designations upon the transition of a former Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials.

Respecting Titles in Canada

In Canada, it is well-established that former Prime Ministers are styled as “The Right Honourable” for life, just as current and former Governors-General and Chief Justices of the Supreme Court enjoy this same honorific. This distinction sets the framework for how one should address such individuals.

Proper Correspondence for a Former Prime Minister

When writing to a former Prime Minister, one should follow the formal address protocol. This involves using their full name and their historic title, as well as the appropriate salutation. Here’s an example:

Formal Address Example

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ROBERT SMITH

123 ANY STREET

ANYTOWN ON M5E 1E3

DEAR MR. SMITH

Once again, it is important to note that former Prime Ministers are not addressed as “Mr. Prime Minister.” This title is reserved exclusively for the current holder of that office. Attempts to extend this title to former Prime Ministers can be considered incorrect and may be perceived as a lack of understanding of the proper formality.

Addressing a Current Member of Parliament

For current Members of Parliament (MPs), the addressing protocol is different. It depends on whether they are a member of the Cabinet. Here are the appropriate salutations:

“Mr. Robert Smith” or “Ms. Roberta Smith” for non-Cabinet members.

“The Honourable Robert Smith” or “The Honourable Roberta Smith” for Cabinet members.

Note that “Right” is not used preceding the title, which is reserved as a term of distinction for Prime Ministers only.

Dependence on Personal Relationship

When addressing a former Prime Minister directly or in correspondence, it is crucial to consider both the title and the reciprocal familiarity. If you know the individual personally and by name, a more informal address may be appropriate; otherwise, a formal salutation is expected. The use of a title such as “Earl” is extremely rare and confined to historical precedence, such as Harold Macmillan, who was made an Earl. More recently, former Prime Ministers have received knighthoods, and the last recipient of this honor was Sir John Major.

Margaret Thatcher, for instance, was made a Baroness, which adds a layer of complexity to the addressing protocol. However, unless the individual holds an honorary title directly related to their position (like a knighthood or earl), it is generally not customary to include any titles after their name in standard correspondence.

Conclusion

The proper addressing of former Prime Ministers and current Members of Parliament reflects respect and adherence to the intricate social and political conventions of the Canadian system. Understanding these protocols not only demonstrates a keen appreciation for cultural context but also ensures that communications with these individuals are received with the appropriate level of respect and courtesy.